verb
C2
Proficient
etch
ehch
Etch (verb) means to cut a design or pattern into a hard surface using acid, a needle, or another sharp tool. Example: “The artist etched a portrait onto a copper plate before printing it.”
verb
1
To cut a design or pattern into a hard surface using acid, a needle, or another sharp tool.
"The artist etched a portrait onto a copper plate before printing it."
"Engineers etch tiny circuits onto silicon chips."
2
To fix something firmly and permanently in someone's memory.
"That image of the burning building is etched into my mind."
"The speech etched itself into the nation's memory."
How to use etch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cut a design into a surface with acid or a sharp tool, or figuratively to leave a permanent mark on memory.
Common pairings
etch a design
etched into memory
etch onto glass
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- etches
- Past tense
- etched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The artist _____ a portrait onto a copper plate before printing it.
Etymology
From Dutch etsen, from German ätzen (\"to etch\"), ultimately from the same old root as the English word \"eat\" — etching literally means letting acid \"eat\" into a surface.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for etch
See all rhymes for etch →Frequently asked questions
What does “etch” mean?
The word “etch” means to cut a design or pattern into a hard surface using acid, a needle, or another sharp tool. In plain terms, to cut a design into a surface with acid or a sharp tool, or figuratively to leave a permanent mark on memory.
How do you pronounce “etch”?
“Etch” is pronounced ehch (/ɛt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “etch” in a sentence?
Here is “etch” used in a sentence: “The artist etched a portrait onto a copper plate before printing it.”
What part of speech is “etch”?
“Etch” is a verb.
Where does the word “etch” come from?
The word “etch” comes from German. From Dutch etsen, from German ätzen (\"to etch\"), ultimately from the same old root as the English word \"eat\" — etching literally means letting acid \"eat\" into a surface.
How many meanings does “etch” have?
“Etch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to cut a design or pattern into a hard surface using acid, a needle, or another sharp tool.
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