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.]
   1. 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.
   
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   ☞ 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.
   
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   2. To subject to etching; to draw upon and bite with acid, as a plate of metal.
   
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   I was etching a plate at the beginning of 1875. Hamerton.
   
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   3. To sketch; to delineate. [R.]
   
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   There are many empty terms to be found in some learned writes, to which they had recourse to etch out their system. Locke.
   
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2.       
   etched adj.  Cut or impressed into a surface.
   
   Syn. -- engraved, graven, incised.
   
   [WordNet 1.5]
   
   
   2. Corroded so that the surface is matte and not fully transparent; -- of glass.
   
   [PJC]