Etching
/ˈɛtʃ.ɪŋ/noun
A printmaking technique that uses acid to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface.
Did you know?The term 'etching' is derived from the German word 'ätzen', which means 'to eat', linking it to the ancient practice of using acid to 'consume' metal.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁ed-
“to eat or consume”
Old High German
OHG
āzzēn
“to eat or consume, related to the process of using acid”
Middle English
ME
etchen
“to engrave or cut into a surface”
16th Century
Latin
ædĭtīo
“a drawing or engraving, reflecting the artistic aspect of the technique”
Modern English
English
etching
“the process of using acid to create designs on metal surfaces, akin to ancient practices of marking or consuming.”