a vertical spar for supporting sails
"The sailor climbed the wooden mast to repair the torn sail."
nuts of forest trees (as beechnuts and acorns) accumulated on the ground
"The deer spent the afternoon grazing on the mast that had fallen from the oak and beech trees during autumn."
nuts of forest trees used as feed for swine
"The farmer stored acorns and beechnuts in a large wooden mast to feed his pigs during winter."
any sturdy upright pole
"The tall mast stood firmly in the center of the boat to support the sails."
A tall, slim post or tower, usually tapering upward, used to support, for example, sails on a ship, the main rotor of a helicopter, flags, floodlights, meteorological instruments, or communications equipment, such as an aerial, usually supported by guy-wires (except in the case of a helicopter).
"The medevac crew quickly applied the mast around his legs after he was struck by shrapnel in Afghanistan."
The fruit of forest-trees (beech, oak, chestnut, pecan, etc.), especially if having fallen from the tree, used as fodder for pigs and other animals.
A type of heavy cue, with the broad end of which one strikes the ball.
Initialism of military antishock trousers; inflatable trousers that apply pressure to the inferior half of a patient's body to decrease blood loss and prevent the onset of shock, similar to a tourniquet.
In plain English: A mast is a tall pole that supports sails on a boat or holds up an antenna for radio signals.
"The tall wooden mast stood high above the deck, holding up the boat's sails on the sunny day."
Usage: The word "mast" is often confused with "most," but they are unrelated; ensure you use "mast" only when referring to a ship's pole or tree fruit. In casual speech regarding food, people may mistakenly say "mast" instead of "mash" for soft foods, though this is incorrect.
To supply and fit a mast to (a ship).
"The deer went into the woods to mast during the autumn season."
To feed on forest seed or fruit.
In plain English: To mast something means to tie it securely so that it cannot move freely.
"The ship mast to sea when the storm hit suddenly."
A surname.
"The local history book features an article about the Mast family's contribution to the town's development."
The word "mast" comes from Old English mæst, meaning a sail-pole. It traces its roots back to the Proto-Indo-European *mazdos, which also meant a pole.