emboss

American  

[em-baws, -bos] / ɛmˈbɔs, -ˈbɒs /

verb (used with object)

1. to raise or represent (surface designs) in relief.

2. to decorate (a surface) with raised ornament.

3. Metalworking. to raise a design on (a blank) with dies of similar pattern, one the negative of the other.

4. to cause to bulge out; make protuberant.

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emboss British  

/ ɪmˈbɒs /

verb

1. to mould or carve (a decoration or design) on (a surface) so that it is raised above the surface in low relief

2. to cause to bulge; make protrude

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Other Word Forms

• embossable adjective
• embosser noun
• embossment noun
• unembossed adjective

Etymology

Origin of emboss

1350–1400; Middle English embosen < Middle French embocer, equivalent to em- em- ¹ + boce boss ²

Related Words

• adorn
• decorate
• etch