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

These firms produce advanced lithographic and etching solutions as well as cleaning devices, Mr. Foster said.

From Washington Times

The trade and industry minister in a press release said it will impose export controls on six categories of equipment used in chip manufacturing, including cleaning, deposition, lithography and etching.

From Reuters

A: Slippery shower floors are a huge issue, so it’s no surprise that manufacturers have come up with an array of possible solutions, including different types of mats, grip tape, and coatings and etching products.

From Washington Post

In the interim, Jackson said, automakers should do more to try to prevent these thefts, including etching catalytic converters with vehicle identification numbers to discourage illegal resales.

From Los Angeles Times

If the humiliation of having a nought by your name isn't enough, there is the number one next to it, etching in history the fact you were unable to survive a single, measly delivery.

From BBC

Related Words

• engraving
• inscription
• reproduction