online medical dictionary | definition of mason

<specialist>

To build stonework or brickwork about, under, in, over, etc.; to construct by masons; with a prepositional suffix; as, to mason up a well or terrace; to mason in a kettle or boiler.

(06 Feb 2009)

1. One whose occupation is to build with stone or brick; also, one who prepares stone for building purposes.

2. A member of the fraternity of Freemasons. See Freemason.

<zoology> Mason bee, any wasp that constructs its nest, or brood cells, of hardened mud. The female fills the cells with insects or spiders, paralysed by a sting, and thus provides food for its larvae

Origin: F. Maon, LL. Macio, machio, mattio, mactio, marcio, macerio; of uncertain origin.

(01 Mar 1998)