mantle

Definitions

• A piece of clothing somewhat like an open robe or cloak, especially that worn by Orthodox bishops. Compare mantum.
• (figuratively) A figurative garment representing authority or status, capable of affording protection.
• (figuratively) Anything that covers or conceals something else; a cloak.
• (malacology) The body wall of a mollusc, from which the shell is secreted.
• (ornithology) The back of a bird together with the folded wings.
• The zone of hot gases around a flame.
• A gauzy fabric impregnated with metal nitrates, used in some kinds of gas and oil lamps and lanterns, which forms a rigid but fragile mesh of metal oxides when heated during initial use and then produces white light from the heat of the flame below it. So called because it is hung above the lamp's flame like a mantel.
• The outer wall and casing of a blast furnace, above the hearth.
• A penstock for a water wheel.
• (anatomy) The cerebral cortex.
• (geology) The layer between the Earth's core and crust.
• A fireplace shelf; (alternative spelling of) mantel
• (heraldry) A mantling.