etch
/etʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /etʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈech/ (ame, mw)
etch — verb
- etchpresent simple I / you / we / they
- etcheshe / she / it
- etchedpast simple
- etching-ing form
1. To cut a pattern, picture, or design into a hard surface such as metal, glass, o
To cut a pattern, picture, or design into a hard surface such as metal, glass, or wood, using acid, a laser, or a sharp tool.
The artist etched a delicate floral pattern onto the silver bracelet using acid.
etch + pattern + onto + surface
Mei-Lin's initials were etched into the glass trophy with a laser.
passive: be etched into [surface]
Using a sharp needle, Diego carefully etched small wave patterns along the edge of the copper plate.
The glass doors had delicate tree branches etched across their entire surface.
Kwame spent the afternoon etching a detailed map of his hometown into a wooden panel.
文法句型
etch + [pattern/design] + into/onto + [surface]
be etched + into/onto + [surface]
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice when describing the result rather than the action.
常見錯誤
2. If a feeling, image, or experience is etched into your mind, memory, or face, it
If a feeling, image, or experience is etched into your mind, memory, or face, it is remembered or shown very clearly and permanently.
The old woman's warm smile was etched into Amara's memory long after she moved away.
be etched into + memory
Shock and disbelief were etched on the passengers' faces after the sudden announcement.
be etched on + face showing emotion
That summer afternoon by the lake remains etched in my heart forever.
Worry was clearly etched across Dr. Okafor's forehead as he read the test results.
The image of the burning building was painfully etched into the minds of everyone who watched the news that night.
- fade
to gradually disappear from memory
文法句型
be etched + into/on + [memory/mind/face]
etch + [feeling] + on + [face]
用法筆記
Almost always used in the passive voice. The subject is typically an emotion (worry, shock, relief), a memory, or a visual image.
常見錯誤
etch — noun
1. The action, process, or result of cutting a design into a hard surface using aci
The action, process, or result of cutting a design into a hard surface using acid or a sharp tool.
The delicate etch on the antique mirror suggested years of careful craftsmanship.
uncountable noun: the process of etching
After the first etch, the metal surface revealed a faint outline of the planned design.
countable noun: a single instance of etching
- etching
more common noun form referring to the art or product; 'etch' is rarer and more technical
用法筆記
Typically uncountable when referring to the process ('The etch was done with acid'), but can be countable when referring to a specific instance or result ('a delicate etch on the vase').
2. A chemical substance, typically an acid, used to eat into the surface of metal,
A chemical substance, typically an acid, used to eat into the surface of metal, glass, or other materials in order to create a design or pattern.
The jeweler prepared a fresh batch of etch for treating the silver plates that afternoon.
uncountable: batch of etch (chemical agent)
Too strong an etch can damage the surface before any pattern is visible.
modifier + etch: too strong an etch
- mordant
a more technical term for a substance that fixes or eats into a surface, used in dyeing and etching