master1 Pronunciation: /ˈmɑːstə/ (mas¦ter)

noun

• 1chiefly historical a man who has people working for him, especially servants or slaves: he acceded to his master’s wishes
• a person who has complete control of something: he was master of the situation
• dated a male head of a household: the master of the house
• the male owner of a dog, horse, or other domesticated animal: in many ways dogs reflect the styles of their masters
• a machine or device directly controlling another: [as modifier]: a master cylinderCompare with slave.

• 2a man in charge of an organization or group, in particular:
• British a male schoolteacher: the games master
• the head of a college or school.
• the presiding officer of a livery company or Masonic lodge.
• the captain of a merchant ship.
• the person in control of a pack of hounds: the master of the Aylesbury Vale Hunt
• (in England and Wales) an official of the Supreme Court.

• 3a skilled practitioner of a particular art or activity: I’m a master of disguise
• a great artist or musician: follow in the footsteps of the masters and paint in locations made famous by their work
• a very strong chess player, especially one who has qualified for the title at international tournaments: a chess masterSee also grand master.
• (Masters) [treated as singular] (in some sports) a class for competitors over the usual age for the highest level of competition.

• 4 [usually in titles] a person who holds a second or further degree: a master’s degree a Master of Arts
• (master's) a postgraduate degree: I had a master’s in computer engineering

• 5used as a title prefixed to the name of a boy not old enough to be called ‘Mr’: Master James Wishart
• archaic a title for a man of high rank or learning.
• the title of the heir apparent of a Scottish viscount or baron.

• 6an original film, recording, or document from which copies can be made: [as modifier]: the master tape

adjective

• 1having or showing very great skill or proficiency: a master painter
• denoting a person skilled in a particular trade and able to teach others: a master bricklayer

• 2main; principal: the master bedroom

verb

• 1acquire complete knowledge or skill in (a subject, technique, or art): I never mastered Latin

• 2gain control of; overcome: I managed to master my fears

• 3make a master copy of (a film or recording): all records are now being mastered and manufactured for us in the Netherlands