Etch Meaning
/ɛt͡ʃ/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo cut into a surface with an acid or other corrosive substance in order to make a pattern. Best known as a technique for creating printing plates, but also used for decoration on metal, and, in modern industry, to make circuit boards.
verbTo engrave a surface.
Sentence Examples
The memory of 9/11 is etched into my mind.
The artist used acid to etch the design onto the metal plate.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The artist used acid to ____ a delicate pattern into the metal plate.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The engraver used a fine needle to ____ the name into the silver trophy.
Word Origin & History
From Dutch etsen (“to etch”), from German ätzen (“to etch”), from Old High German azzon (“to cause to bite or feed”), from Proto-Germanic *atjaną, causative of *etaną (“to eat”) (whence also English eat).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"There are many such empty terms to be found in some learned writers, to which they had recourse to etch out their system."
— a. 1705, John Locke, “Of the Conduct of the Understanding”, in Posthumous Works of Mr. John Locke: […], London: […] A[wnsham] and J[ohn] Churchill, […], published 1706, →OCLC:
"Black Oats are commonly sown upon an Etch Crop, or on a Lay which they plow up in January, when the Earth is moist, taking care to turn the Turf well, and to lay it even and flat."
— 1707, J[ohn] Mortimer, The Whole Art of Husbandry; or, The Way of Managing and Improving of Land. […], London: […] J[ohn] H[umphreys] for H[enry] Mortlock […], and J[onathan] Robinson […], →OCLC:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The artist used acid to ____ a delicate pattern into the metal plate.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The engraver used a fine needle to ____ the name into the silver trophy.