mezzotint

mezzotint Definition

mezzo·tint (---tint′)

noun

a method of engraving on a copper or steel plate by scraping or polishing parts of a roughened surface to produce impressions of light and shade
an engraving or print so produced

Etymology: It mezzotinto: see mezzo & tint

transitive verb

to engrave by this method

mezzotint Synonyms

half tone, line engraving, black and white; see engraving 2, plate 3.

mezzotint Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

engraving: During his exile in Europe, he had become skilled in mezzotint engraving, which he is said to have introduced into England.
portrait: John Broadwood died in 1812 at the age of eighty-one years; there exists a mezzotint portrait of him by Harrison and Say.
engraver: William Ward and his brother James were pupils of the celebrated mezzotint engraver, John Raphael Smith.

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