retouch
retouch Lexical Profile
retouch Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To improve, repair, or alter (a painting, photograph, or digital image) by making minor additions, corrections, or adjustments.
"The graphic designer was asked to retouch the studio portraits to remove the glare from the subject's glasses."
To shape or sharpen the edge of (a prehistoric stone implement) by removing small secondary flakes.
"Early toolmakers would carefully retouch the flint scraper to maintain a sharp cutting edge."
• noun
An act of making minor adjustments, repairs, or enhancements to a photograph, painting, or cosmetic appearance.
"The portrait needed only a quick retouch before being sent to the printer."
In archaeology, the secondary flaking or shaping of a stone tool to sharpen or refine its working edge.
"Microscopic analysis of the flint blade revealed fine edge retouch characteristic of the Upper Paleolithic period."
• Rhymes for retouch
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from French retoucher, formed from the prefix re- ('again') and toucher ('to touch'), originally used in the context of revising paintings.