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

The venture would also presumably need equipment for etching and deposition, which are manufacturing and packaging processes.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

"Fabrication of modern devices takes hundreds, if not thousands, of steps of chemical etching and deposition and heating, and then every single step does something to your structure," Karapetyan said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2026

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

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025

More than 300 miles east, construction teams etching another airstrip into the mountains battled icy winds, dizziness and nosebleeds, and relied on oxygen cylinders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

Dark circles under her eyes, sharp lines etching her cheekbones.

From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell

Related Words

• engraving
• inscription
• reproduction