etch
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English
Pronunciation
Etymology 1
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).
Verb
etch (third-person singular simple present etches, present participle etching, simple past and past participle etched)
- To 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.
- To engrave a surface.
- (figuratively) To make a lasting impression.
- The memory of 9/11 is etched into my mind.
- To sketch; to delineate.
- a. 1705, John Locke, “Of the Conduct of the Understanding”, in Posthumous Works of Mr. John Locke: , London: A and J Churchill, , published 1706, →OCLC:
- There are many such empty terms to be found in some learned writers, to which they had recourse to etch out their system.
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
to engrave
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to make a lasting impression
Etymology 2
Noun
etch
- Obsolete form of eddish.
- 1707, J[ohn] Mortimer, The Whole Art of Husbandry; or, The Way of Managing and Improving of Land. , 2nd edition, London: J H for H Mortlock , and J Robinson , published 1708, →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.