intaglio Hear it!

intaglio Definition

in·ta·glio (in tal′yō′, -täl′-)

noun pl. -·glios′

  1. a design or figure carved, incised, or engraved into a hard material so that it is below the surface
  2. something, as a gem or stone, ornamented with such a design or figure
  3. the art or process of making such designs or figures
  4. a method of printing from a plate on which incised lines, which carry the ink, leave a raised impression
  5. a die cut to produce a design in relief

Etymology: It < intagliare, to cut in, engrave < in-, in + tagliare, to cut < LL taliare: see tailor

transitive verb -·glioed′, -·glio′·ing

to engrave, carve, etc. in intaglio

intaglio Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • set: The Gods Are Waiting Intaglio Plaster intaglios set under glass and framed have been the rage since the 1740s!
  • carve: The majority of the Roman finds were of finger-rings, many with carved intaglios or other engravings, used for stamping seals.

Modifies a noun

  • printing: Examine the quality of embossed stamps and intaglio printing.
  • print: Intaglio print: A process where the design is etched or engraved onto the printing plate, which is then covered with ink.
  • process: An intaglio process in which the plate is marked by exposing it to the corrosive action of acid.
  • plate: The years peeled away like wet paper off an intaglio plate.
  • printmaking: The early forms of intaglio printmaking, engraving and etching, were purely linear in approach.
  • engraving: Sue specializes in fantasy and nature themes and particularly enjoys the effects achieved with intaglio engraving.