etching

American  

[ech-ing] / ˈɛtʃ ɪŋ /

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.

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etching British  

/ 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

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etching Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of etching

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

Example Sentences

“They move from mountain to mountain, etching their knowledge into the rock: histories, philosophies, songs, mathematics.”

From Literature

Their approach focuses on modifying the inside surface of aluminum tubes by etching it to create microscopic and nanoscale pits.

From Science Daily

I look up at the walls and ceiling, covered with elaborate designs and colorful etchings.

From Literature

There was an etching of frost forming along the corner of the window, the glass doing little to keep the bitter fingers of winter from finding their way inside our railcar.

From Literature

A day later, crews could be seen etching the president's name on the building's façade.

From BBC

Related Words

• engraving
• inscription
• reproduction