Definition of etch
transitive verb
1a : to produce (something, such as a pattern or design) on a hard material by eating into the material's surface (as by acid or laser beam)b : to subject to such etching
2 : to delineate or impress clearly scenes etched in our minds pain was etched on his features
intransitive verb
: to practice etching
etcher
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of etch in a Sentence
etched an identification number on the back of the television
glass that has been etched with an identification number
Origin and Etymology of etch
Dutch etsen, from German ätzen to etch, corrode, from Old High German azzen to feed; akin to Old High German ezzan to eat — more at eat
First Known Use: 1634
etch
Definition of etch
1 : the action or effect of etching a surface
2 : a chemical agent used in etching
1896
First Known Use of etch
1896
ETCH Defined for English Language Learners
etch
playDefinition of etch for English Language Learners
-
: to produce a pattern, design, etc., by using a powerful liquid (called an acid) to cut the surface of metal or glass
ETCH Defined for Kids
etch
playDefinition of etch for Students
etched
;etching
: to produce designs or figures on metal or glass by using acid to eat into the surface
Learn More about etch
-
See words that rhyme with etch Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for etch Spanish Central: Translation of etch Nglish: Translation of etch for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of etch for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about etch
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up etch? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!