a curtain made of fireproof material that can be lowered to separate the auditorium and stage in a theatre to prevent the spread of a fire
safety curtain in American English
noun
a sheet of asbestos or other fireproof material that can be lowered just inside the proscenium arch in case of fire, sealing off the backstage area from the auditorium
Also called: fire curtain
Word origin
[1905–10]This word is first recorded in the period 1905–10. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Expressionism, aspect ratio, persona, revolving door, thiamine
Examples of 'safety curtain' in a sentence
safety curtain
The fire safety curtain would come up and down during shows and asbestos would be released.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Well, this must have been the bit when the safety curtain is down.
The Sun (2008)
There is no safety curtain, only a permanent, beautiful classical wall, garlanded with statues.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
The safety curtain got stuck, so we never really got going.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
The scene is set ten minutes ahead as soon as the stage safety curtain lifts.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
The safety curtain had to be lowered to persuade the audience to leave the theatre.