faceplate

American  

[feys-pleyt] / ˈfeɪsˌpleɪt /

noun

1. (on a lathe) a perforated plate, mounted on the live spindle, to which the work is attached.

2. the part of a protective headpiece, as a diver's or astronaut's helmet, that covers the upper portion of the face, often of transparent material and sometimes movable.

3. Also called face.  Electronics. the glass front of a cathode ray tube upon which the image is displayed.

4. a protective plate, as one surrounding an electric outlet or light switch.

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faceplate British  

/ ˈfeɪsˌpleɪt /

noun

1. a perforated circular metal plate that can be attached to the headstock of a lathe in order to hold flat or irregularly shaped workpieces

2. Also called: surface plate.  a flat rigid plate used to check the flatness and squareness of the faces of a component

3. the part of a cathode-ray tube carrying the phosphor screen

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Etymology

Origin of faceplate

First recorded in 1835–45; face + plate ¹

Example Sentences

Blinding frost instantly covered the faceplate of his helmet.

From Literature

“The divers can put their hands on that faceplate, and they can’t even see their hands,” said Donald Gibbons, an instructor with Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers.

From Seattle Times

One tip: coordinate interchangeable Ring doorbell faceplates with your home’s exterior colors.

From Seattle Times

You can apply individual colors to parts and even add printed text to a faceplate for an additional fee.

From The Verge

You can swap the included faceplate for a standard Decora one so that the Wemo Stage can sit alongside your regular light switches.

From The Verge