etch

[ ech ]

/ ɛtʃ /

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See synonyms for: etch / etched / etching / etcher on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to cut, bite, or corrode with an acid or the like; engrave with an acid or the like, as to form a design in furrows that when charged with ink will give an impression on paper.

to produce (a design, image, etc.) by this method, as on copper or glass.

to outline clearly or sharply; delineate, as a person's features or character.

to fix permanently in or implant firmly on the mind; root in the memory: Our last conversation is etched in my memory.

Geology. to cut (a feature) into the surface of the earth by means of erosion: A deep canyon was etched into the land by the river's rushing waters.

verb (used without object)

to practice the art of etching.

noun

Printing. an acid used for etching.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of etch

1625–35; <Dutch etsen<German ätzen to etch, originally cause to eat; cognate with Old English ettan to graze; akin to eat

OTHER WORDS FROM etch

etcher, nounun·etched, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use etch in a sentence

He feared the laser-etched markings intended to make them look authentic could be toxic to patients.
Patients Screwed in Spine Surgery ‘Scam’|The Center for Investigative Reporting|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The photos Zavilenski posted online included implants with other company markings etched on them.
Patients Screwed in Spine Surgery ‘Scam’|The Center for Investigative Reporting|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He remained motionless in the next shot but the fear of what was to follow was etched on his face.
ISIS Beheads British Aid Worker Alan Henning|Nico Hines|October 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He eschews acid-etched bottles and labels with metallic-based inks.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Vodka|Debra A. Klein|July 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Black marble slabs etched with the names of Escobar's victims hang on the walls.
Pablo Escobar’s Private Prison Is Now Run by Monks for Senior Citizens|Jeff Campagna|June 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He acquired the technique of getting these drawings etched on copper plates which allowed him to make fine miniature engravings.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia|Dorothy M. Torpey
One of his most famous art works is an etched view of the waterfront at Richmond.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia|Dorothy M. Torpey
It contained a single room, walled with hard-finish and profusely etched with figures in vermilion.
Overland|John William De Forest
He drew designs for engravers, and etched a Judgment of Midas.
Art in England|Dutton Cook
Pillars of ice were cut through in a few days, rope was frayed, wood etched and metal polished.
The Home of the Blizzard|Douglas Mawson

British Dictionary definitions for etch

etch

/ (ɛtʃ) /

verb

(tr) to wear away the surface of (a metal, glass, etc) by chemical action, esp the action of an acid

to cut or corrode (a design, decoration, etc) on (a metal or other plate to be used for printing) by using the action of acid on parts not covered by wax or other acid-resistant coating

(tr) to cut with or as if with a sharp implementhe etched his name on the table

(tr; usually passive) to imprint vividlythe event was etched on her memory

Derived forms of etch

etcher, noun

Word Origin for etch

C17: from Dutch etsen, from Old High German azzen to feed, bite

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

etch

Origin of etch

OTHER WORDS FROM etch

Words related to etch

How to use etch in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for etch

Derived forms of etch

Word Origin for etch