ETCHING

verb

1. To cut into a surface with an acid or other corrosive substance in order to make a pattern. Best known as a technique for creating printing plates, but also used for decoration on metal, and, in modern industry, to make circuit boards.
2. To engrave a surface.
3. To make a lasting impression.

noun

1. The art of producing an image from a metal plate into which an image or text has been etched with acid.
2. The image created by this process.