etching

[ ech-ing ]

noun

1. the act or process of making designs or pictures on a metal plate, glass, etc., by the corrosive action of an acid instead of by a burin.
2. an impression, as on paper, taken from an etched plate.
3. the design so produced.
4. a metal plate bearing such a design.

etching

/ ˈɛtʃɪŋ /

noun

1. the art, act, or process of preparing etched surfaces or of printing designs from them
2. an etched plate
3. an impression made from an etched plate

etching

1. An artistic print made from a plate on which the artist has etched a design with acid. ( Compare engraving .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of etching¹

First recorded in 1625–35; etch + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“A truly remarkable, world-class team of architects, engineers, environmental scientists and industry specialists have been working tirelessly in the background – etching out every square inch of this phenomenal piece of land to create one of the great wonders in the world of golf.”

From BBC

“I’m just trying to process all this,” Gunning tells us, not long before etching her own name on a statuette.

From Los Angeles Times

He recalled going to visit the Woodland cemetery as a child to pay respects to his grandfather and being startled that the etching on the gravestone said “Young” instead of “Fong.”

From Los Angeles Times

The castle is immaculate, its gold etching regal and its towers a bold shade of sky blue.

From Los Angeles Times

In actuality, etching shorter cones onto the black silicon surface leads to a greater air-shearing effect,' Backholm says.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• engraving
• inscription
• reproduction