Pronunciation: [ˈasɪd ˈɛt͡ʃ] (IPA) 
Acid etch is spelled with two separate words, "acid" and "etch". In IPA phonetic transcription, "acid" is spelled /æsɪd/, with the vowel sound "æ" similar to the "a" in "cat" and the consonant sound "s" followed by a short "i" sound. "Etch" is spelled /ɛtʃ/, with the vowel sound "ɛ" similar to the "e" in "pet" and the consonant sound "t" followed by a "ʃ" sound, similar to the "sh" sound in "shoe".
Acid etch refers to a process of using chemical substances called acids to selectively remove or dissolve material from a surface in order to create a permanent design, pattern, or image. This technique is primarily employed on materials such as glass, metal, or stone to achieve decorative, functional, or practical purposes.
In the acid etching process, a design is first applied to the surface of the material using any number of methods, such as painting or lithography. Then, the specific areas that are not part of the desired design are covered with an acid-resistant substance, such as wax or an acid-resistant film. After this, an acid solution, typically hydrofluoric acid or muriatic acid, is carefully applied to the uncovered parts of the surface, where it chemically reacts with the material, resulting in its gradual removal.
The acid etching process can be controlled to varying degrees depending on the desired effect. It can create shallow or deep indentations, or uniformly remove thin layers of material from the surface. This technique is widely used in various industries, including art, jewelry making, architecture, and electronics, to embellish surfaces, add texture, engrave intricate designs, or create high-precision components.
While acid etch is a powerful and versatile method, it requires careful handling of corrosive acids and proper safety precautions to avoid harm to individuals or unintended damage to the material.
The word "acid" comes from the Latin word "acidus", which means sour. It developed from the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₂eḱ-", meaning sharp or pointed. In this context, "acid" refers to substances that have a sour taste and the ability to neutralize alkalis.
The term "etch" originates from the Old Dutch word "ëtzen" and Old High German word "ëzzan", both of which mean to eat or corrode. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic root "*etanan", which shares the same meaning.
When combined, "acid etch" refers to the process of using an acid to erode or corrode a surface, usually for decorative or artistic purposes. The word etching, related to "etch", is widely used in the context of printmaking, where an acid is used to engrave designs on a metal plate.
