Etching: meaning, definitions and examples

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etching

[ ˈɛtʃɪŋ ]

^{Context #1}

art

A print made from a design etched on a metal plate, usually made of copper, zinc, or steel.

Synonyms

engraving, intaglio, printmaking

Examples of usage

I bought a beautiful etching at the art gallery.
The artist used etching to create intricate details in the print.

^{Context #2}

art

To engrave a design on a metal plate using acid or a sharp tool.

Synonyms

engrave, engrave, incise

Examples of usage

The artist etched a detailed portrait on the copper plate.
She learned how to etch intricate patterns in her printmaking class.

Translations

Translations of the word "etching" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gravura

🇮🇳 नक़्क़ाशी

🇩🇪 Radierung

🇮🇩 etsa

🇺🇦 гравюра

🇵🇱 akwaforta

🇯🇵 エッチング

🇫🇷 gravure

🇪🇸 grabado

🇹🇷 oyma

🇰🇷 에칭

🇸🇦 نقش

🇨🇿 rytina

🇸🇰 rytie

🇨🇳 蚀刻

🇸🇮 jedkanje

🇮🇸 leturgröft

🇰🇿 гравюра

🇬🇪 გრავიურა

🇦🇿 oyma

🇲🇽 grabado

Word origin

The word 'etching' comes from the Dutch word 'etsen' which means 'to eat into' or 'to corrode'. The technique of etching originated in the 16th century as a method of printmaking. Artists would use acid to create intricate designs on metal plates, which would then be used to produce prints. Etching has since become a popular artistic technique, admired for its delicate details and expressive qualities.

See also: etch, etchant, etcher, etchings.