etch

present singular third person etches · participle present etching · participle past etched · past etched

1. To cut into a surface with an acid or other corrosive substance in order to make a pattern. Best known as a technique for creating printing plates, but also used for decoration on metal, and, in modern industry, to make circuit boards.
2. To engrave a surface.
3. figurativelyTo make a lasting impression.

   His sorrow was etched on his face.

   1 more example

   The memory of 9/11 is etched into my mind.

4. To sketch; to delineate.

   There are many such empty terms to be found in some learned writers, to which they had recourse to etch out their system.

   a. 1705, John Locke, “Of the Conduct of the Understanding”, in Posthumous Works of Mr. John Locke: […], London: […] A[wnsham] and J[ohn] Churchill, […], published 1706, →OCLC

1. obsoleteObsolete form of eddish.

   Black Oats are commonly sown upon an Etch Crop, or on a Lay which they plow up in January, when the Earth is moist, taking care to turn the Turf well, and to lay it even and flat.

   1707, J[ohn] Mortimer, The Whole Art of Husbandry; or, The Way of Managing and Improving of Land. […], London: […] J[ohn] H[umphreys] for H[enry] Mortlock […], and J[onathan] Robinson […], →OCLC