etch
Third Person
etches
Present Participle
etching
Past Tense
etched
Past Participle
etched
1
to cut or carve designs or writings on a hard surface, often using acid or a laser beam
transitive
- The artist etched a detailed illustration on a metal plate.
- The jeweler etched intricate patterns onto the silver pendant.
- The printmaker used a technique to etch fine lines onto the copper plate.
- The scientist etched a microscopic circuit on a silicon wafer.
- The glass artist etched a beautiful design onto the transparent surface.
2
to engrave an image or design onto a block of material, such as wood or metal, for the purpose of printing
transitive
- In the traditional art of woodblock printing, craftsmen would etch the wooden blocks with scenes of everyday life.
- After etching the stone block, the lithographer prepared it for printing by applying ink to the raised surfaces.
- The printmaker spent hours etching a zinc plate.
- Using specialized tools, the engraver carefully etched a copper plate, readying it for printing.
Synonyms:
3
to remove specific portions of a material's surface through chemical or physical means
transitive
- The engineer used a strong acid to etch the copper layer from the printed circuit board.
- The engineer used a laser to etch the silicon wafer with precise lines.
- The manufacturer etched the semiconductor chip to form the transistors.
- The researcher etched the glass slide to prepare it for the experiment.
4
to make something distinctly visible or noticeable
transitive
- The harsh sunlight etched the contours of the mountains against the clear blue sky.
- The artist used a sharp contrast of light and shadow to etch the outlines of the building.
- The sculptor used strategic lighting to etch the shadows and highlights of the sculpture.
- The headlights of the oncoming cars etched the contours of the road ahead.
5
to fix something firmly in the mind or memory
- The image of the sunset over the mountains is etched in my memory forever.
- Her words of encouragement were etched in his heart, giving him strength during tough times.
- The horrors of war were etched on the minds of those who survived.
- The teacher's lessons were etched in the students' memories, shaping their futures.
- The moment they met is etched in her mind as the start of something extraordinary.