Definition & Meaning of "etching"

What is "etching"?

Etching is a printmaking technique where an image is created by scratching or carving into a metal plate. First, the plate is covered with a protective coating, and the artist draws the image through this coating with a sharp tool. The plate is then dipped in acid, which eats away the exposed metal, creating lines and textures. After cleaning the plate and applying ink, it is pressed onto paper to transfer the image. Etching produces detailed and expressive prints, often used for artwork and illustrations.