mezzotint

[ met-soh-tint, med-zoh-, mez-oh- ]

noun

1. a method of engraving on copper or steel by burnishing or scraping away a uniformly roughened surface.
2. a print produced by this method.

verb (used with object)

1. to engrave in mezzotint.

mezzotint

/ ˈmɛtsəʊˌtɪnt /

noun

1. a method of engraving a copper plate by scraping and burnishing the roughened surface
2. a print made from a plate so treated

verb

1. tr to engrave (a copper plate) in this fashion

Derived Forms

• ˈmezzoˌtinter, noun

Other Words From

• mezzo·tinter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mezzotint¹

First recorded in 1730–40, mezzotint is from the Italian word mezzotinto half-tint. See mezzo, tint

Word History and Origins

Origin of mezzotint¹

C18: from Italian mezzotinto half tint

Example Sentences

With its potential for fine shading, fluidity of line and exacting detail, the mezzotint rivals the most intricate pencil, ink or charcoal drawing.

From Seattle Times

Though the heart of her work — graphite and charcoal drawings, mezzotint and woodcut prints, paintings — is often described as dark, it has always been backlighted, in a sense, by California sun.

From New York Times

The clearest images are in a set of 1710 mezzotints, “The Four Indian Kings,” by the British printmaker John Simon.

From New York Times

Seattle’s Daniel Carrillo, best known for his faux-vintage photographs, has just one piece in the show — a mezzotint and engraving titled “Couple” — but it’s a doozy.

From Seattle Times

The same year, it bought his mezzotint “Reflections,” a scene of boaters in Central Park with the buildings of Fifth Avenue in the background.

From New York Times

Related Words

• chisel
• embed
• etch
• imprint
• ingrain
• inscribe