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definitions

emboss

[ em-baws, -bos ]
/ ɛmˈbɔs, -ˈbɒs /
|

verb (used with object)

to raise or represent (surface designs) in relief.
to decorate (a surface) with raised ornament.
Metalworking. to raise a design on (a blank) with dies of similar pattern, one the negative of the other.Compare coin(def 10).
to cause to bulge out; make protuberant.

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RELATED WORDS

etch, decorate, adorn, stamp, carve, impress, punch, sculpt

Nearby words

  1. embolus ,
  2. emboly,
  3. embonpoint,
  4. embosk,
  5. embosom,
  6. embossed,
  7. embossing,
  8. embothrium,
  9. embouchure,
  10. embourgeoisement

Origin of emboss

1350–1400; Middle English embosen < Middle French embocer, equivalent to em- em-1 + boce boss2
Related formsem·boss·a·ble, adjectiveem·boss·er, nounem·boss·ment, nounun·em·bossed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for embossing

British Dictionary definitions for embossing

emboss

/ (ɪmˈbɒs) /

verb

to mould or carve (a decoration or design) on (a surface) so that it is raised above the surface in low relief
to cause to bulge; make protrude
Derived Formsembosser, nounembossment, noun

Word Origin for emboss

C14: from Old French embocer, from em- + boce boss ²
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for embossing

emboss

v.

late 14c., from Old French *embocer (cf. embocieure "boss, stud, buckle"), from em- (see en- (1)) + boce "knoblike mass" (see boss (n.2)). Related: Embossed; embossing.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper