transitive verb

1. to make (a drawing, design, etc.) on metal, glass, etc. by the action of an acid, esp. by coating the surface with wax and letting acid eat into the lines or areas laid bare with a special needle
2. to prepare (a metal plate, glass, etc.) in this way, for use in printing such drawings or designs
3. to depict or impress sharply and distinctly

Etymology: Du etsen < Ger ätzen, to corrode < MHG etzen, to cause to eat, caus. of ezzen (Ger essen), eat

intransitive verb