1. Selectively dissolve the surface of something with a solvent (or laser, stream of electrons, etc.) to produce a desired design or effect
   "The artist etched intricate patterns onto the glass surface"
    
2. Carve or cut a design or letters into
   "etch the pen with the owner's name";
   - engrave
    
3. Make an etching of
   "He etched her image into the surface"
    
4. Carve or cut into a block used for printing or print from such a block
   "etch a letter";
   - engrave
    
5. Cause to stand out or be clearly defined or visible
   "a face etched with pain"; "the leafless branches etched against the sky"

Derived forms: etches, etched, etching

Type of: carve, chip at, dissolve, print, show

Encyclopedia: Etch