etched

Everyday

1. Etched means cut or scratched into a hard surface like glass, metal or stone, often with acid or a sharp tool, to make a picture or words. tree →
2. If something is etched on your memory or face, it stays there clearly and does not go away: «The day was etched in my memory». tree →

In the lessons

In art lessons, etching is a printmaking method where a picture is cut into a metal plate with acid. In stories, «worry was etched on his face» shows strong feelings that are easy to see. Phrases: «etched in glass», «etched in my memory», «etched on her face».

Examples

• Their names were etched on the silver trophy. tree →
• The window had a pattern etched into the glass. tree →
• The artist etched a picture onto a copper plate. tree →
• That holiday is etched in my memory forever. tree →
• Fear was etched on the boy's face. tree →
• Old graffiti was etched into the stone wall. tree →

Note

Past form adds -ed: etch → etched. Noun: etching (a picture made this way). «Etched in / on your memory» is a fixed phrase meaning you will never forget it.