etch
etch Lexical Profile
etch Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To engrave or cut a pattern, design, or text into the surface of metal, glass, or stone by corroding the exposed areas with acid or a sharp instrument.
"The artisan used a fine needle and an acid bath to etch intricate floral patterns onto the copper plate."
To impress, fix, or delineate clearly and permanently in the mind, memory, or appearance.
"The breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks at sunrise was forever etched in her memory."
• noun
The act or process of engraving or corroding a surface, such as metal, glass, or semiconductor material, using acid or another chemical agent.
"The technician carefully monitored the chemical etch to ensure the circuit pattern on the silicon wafer remained precise."
• Rhymes for etch
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from Dutch etsen, from German ätzen ('to corrode' or 'to feed'), which is a causative derivative of the Proto-Germanic root *etaną ('to eat'), referring to acid 'eating' into metal.