etch

[ ech ]

verb (used with object)

1. to cut, bite, or corrode with an acid or the like; engrave with an acid or the like, as to form a design in furrows that when charged with ink will give an impression on paper.
2. to produce (a design, image, etc.) by this method, as on copper or glass.
3. to outline clearly or sharply; delineate, as a person's features or character.
4. to fix permanently in or implant firmly on the mind; root in the memory:

   Our last conversation is etched in my memory.

5. Geology. to cut (a feature) into the surface of the earth by means of erosion:

   A deep canyon was etched into the land by the river's rushing waters.

verb (used without object)

1. to practice the art of etching.

noun

1. Printing. an acid used for etching.

etch

/ ɛtʃ /

verb

1. tr to wear away the surface of (a metal, glass, etc) by chemical action, esp the action of an acid
2. to cut or corrode (a design, decoration, etc) on (a metal or other plate to be used for printing) by using the action of acid on parts not covered by wax or other acid-resistant coating
3. tr to cut with or as if with a sharp implement

   he etched his name on the table

4. tr; usually passive to imprint vividly

   the event was etched on her memory

Derived Forms

• ˈetcher, noun

Other Words From

• etcher noun
• un·etched adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of etch¹

1625–35; < Dutch etsen < German ätzen to etch, originally cause to eat; cognate with Old English ettan to graze; akin to eat

Word History and Origins

Origin of etch¹

C17: from Dutch etsen, from Old High German azzen to feed, bite

Example Sentences

While not etched in law, political tradition in this country since Watergate has been for the Justice Department to operate independently of the White House.

From Los Angeles Times

From a ruthless press to proactive possession football, from a daring high line to a complexly shape-shifting 3-4-3 formation, the hallmarks of Amorim’s football will be etched into muscle memory in detailed training sessions.

From BBC

Distant memories of a bygone era were etched over a County Tyrone man's face as a well-known dance hall was reduced to rubble.

From BBC

The message etched on every page is that Navalny never gave up.

From BBC

His own tiredness was etched across his face as he said that "victory has become for some an uncomfortable word and it’s not easy to achieve."

From BBC

Related Words

• depict
• engrave
• imprint
• incise
• ingrain
• inscribe
• portray
• stamp