Like a novel mask (4)
I believe the answer is:
iron
This clue could be a double definition.
'like' is the first definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'a novel mask' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for iron that I've seen before include "Flatten; element" , "Smooth; element" , "Main component of steel" , "Smooth things" , "Metallic chemical element" .)