GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Etch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Etched ; p. pr. & vb. n. Etching.] [D. etsen, G. ätzen to feed, corrode, etch. MHG. etzen, causative of ezzen to eat, G. essen . See Eat.]
   To produce, as figures or designs, on mental, glass, or the like, by means of lines or strokes eaten in or corroded by means of some strong acid.
   1913 Webster
   ☞ The plate is first covered with varnish, or some other ground capable of resisting the acid, and this is then scored or scratched with a needle, or similar instrument, so as to form the drawing; the plate is then covered with acid, which corrodes the metal in the lines thus laid bare.
   1913 Webster
   To subject to etching; to draw upon and bite with acid, as a plate of metal.
   1913 Webster
   I was etching a plate at the beginning of 1875.
   Hamerton.
   
   1913 Webster
   To sketch; to delineate. [R.]
   1913 Webster
   There are many empty terms to be found in some learned writes, to which they had recourse to etch out their system.
   Locke.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   etched adj. Cut or impressed into a surface.
   Syn. -- engraved, graven, incised.
   WordNet 1.5
   Corroded so that the surface is matte and not fully transparent; -- of glass.
   PJC