- 1to cut lines into a piece of glass, metal, etc. in order to make words or a picture etch A (in/into/on B) a glass tankard with his initials etched on it A security number had been etched on the car window as a protection against theft. etch B (with A) a glass tankard etched with his initials
- 2[usually passive] (literary) if a feeling is etched on someone's face, or someone's face is etched with a feeling, that feeling can be seen very clearly etch A in/into/on B Tiredness was etched on his face. etch B with A His face was etched with tiredness.
- 3[usually passive] etch something (+ adv./prep.) to make a strong clear mark or pattern on something a mountain etched (= having a clear outline) against the sky Idioms
etch
verbNAmE//ɛtʃ//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they etch he / she / it etches
past simple etched
-ing form etching
if something is etched on your memory, you remember it because it has made a strong impression on you
Check pronunciation: etch