incise

[ in-sahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, in·cised, in·cis·ing.

1. to cut into; cut marks, figures, etc., upon.
2. to make (marks, figures, etc.) by cutting; engrave; carve.

incise

/ ɪnˈsaɪz /

verb

1. tr to produce (lines, a design, etc) by cutting into the surface of (something) with a sharp tool

Word History and Origins

Origin of incise¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin incīsus, past participle of incīdere “to carve, cut into,” equivalent to in- “in” in- ² + cīd- “to cut” + -tus past participle suffix, with -dt- becoming -s-

Word History and Origins

Origin of incise¹

C16: from Latin incīdere to cut into, from in- ² + caedere to cut

Example Sentences

As a result, some streams became deeply incised channels that act as drains, lowering the water table and encouraging conifers to move in where meadows once were, Pope said.

From Los Angeles Times

Carved from wood as a durable, 3-foot-tall, totem-like column, it was then wrapped in linen, covered with smooth plaster and incised and painted.

From Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported his manner of death as homicide and cause as “an incised wound of the neck.”

From Los Angeles Times

The inverted triangles incised across the female figures’ lower abdomens resemble bikini bottoms.

From New York Times

Expertly mimicking a child’s earnest handiwork, the picture being incised into human flesh shows two stick-figure girls holding hands.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• engrave
• etch