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Etch

 - 3 dictionary results

etch

[ech]
–verb (used with object)
1. to cut, bite, or corrode with an acid or the like; engrave with an acid or the like, as to form a design in furrows that when charged with ink will give an impression on paper.
2. to produce (a design, image, etc.) by this method, as on copper or glass.
3. to outline clearly or sharply; delineate, as a person's features or character.
4. to fix permanently in or implant firmly on the mind; root in the memory: Our last conversation is etched in my memory.
5. Geology. to cut (a feature) into the surface of the earth by means of erosion: A deep canyon was etched into the land by the river's rushing waters.
–verb (used without object)
6. to practice the art of etching.
–noun
7. Printing. an acid used for etching.

Origin:
1625–35; < D etsen < G ätzen to etch, orig. cause to eat; c. OE ettan to graze; akin to eat


etcher, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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etch   (ěch)   
v.   etched, etch·ing, etch·es

v.   tr.
    1. To cut into the surface of (glass, for example) by the action of acid.

    2. To make or create by this method: etch a design on glass.

  1. To impress, delineate, or imprint clearly: a landscape that is forever etched in my memory; trees that were etched against the winter sky.

v.   intr.
To engage in etching.

[Dutch etsen, from German ätzen, from Middle High German etzen, from Old High German ezzen, to eat; see ed- in Indo-European roots.]
etch'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

etch 
1634, "to engrave by eating away the surface of with acids," from Du. etsen, from Ger. ätzen "to etch," from O.H.G. azzon "cause to bite, feed," from P.Gmc. *atjanan, caus. of *etanan "eat."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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