Etching is traditionally the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio in the metal. In modern manufacturing, other chemicals may be used on other types of material.

What does etched mean?

1a : to produce (something, such as a pattern or design) on a hard material by eating into the material's surface (as by acid or laser beam) b : to subject to such etching. 2 : to delineate or impress clearly scenes etched in our minds pain was etched on his features. intransitive verb. : to practice etching.

What does etch mean in reading?

to outline clearly or sharply; delineate, as a person's features or character.