1. cover, covering, natural covering

a natural object that covers or envelops

Example Sentences:
'under a covering of dust'
'the fox was flushed from its cover'

• cover
• natural covering

2. covering

an artifact that covers something else (usually to protect or shelter or conceal it)

3. cover, covering, masking, screening

the act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it

Example Sentences:
'the cover concealed their guns from enemy aircraft'

• cover
• masking
• screening

4. covering

the act of protecting something by covering it

5. application, coating, covering

the work of applying something

Example Sentences:
'the doctor prescribed a topical application of iodine'
'a complete bleach requires several applications'
'the surface was ready for a coating of paint'

• application
• coating