aquatint

[ ak-wuh-tint, ah-kwuh- ]

noun

1. a process imitating the broad flat tints of ink or wash drawings by etching a microscopic crackle on the copperplate intended for printing.
2. an etching made by this process.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to etch in aquatint.

aquatint

/ ˈækwəˌtɪnt /

noun

1. a technique of etching copper with acid to produce an effect resembling the flat tones of wash or watercolour. The tone or tint is obtained by acid (aqua) biting through the pores of a ground that only partially protects the copper
2. an etching made in this way

verb

1. tr to etch (a block, etc) in aquatint

Other Words From

• aqua·tinter aqua·tintist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquatint¹

1775–85; variant of aqua-tinta < Italian acqua tinta literally, tinted water. See aqua, tint

Word History and Origins

Origin of aquatint¹

C18: from Italian acqua tinta: dyed water

Example Sentences

Aquatint, a method of etching on copper by which a beautiful effect is produced, resembling a fine drawing in sepia or Indian ink.

From Project Gutenberg

The print is executed in bold outline, filled in with aquatint, and coloured in capital imitation of the original drawing.

From Project Gutenberg

In these etching merely provides the ground plan for the use of mezzotint, or, more rarely, aquatint.

From Project Gutenberg

The plate has a wash of aquatint, all over it, and the etching is free and bold.

From Project Gutenberg

From the extreme delicacy of the aquatint Engravings of this Work, a limited number of Impressions only can be taken from them.

From Project Gutenberg