engrave

Engrave is a verb describing the act of incising a design, inscription, or pattern into a hard surface by cutting, scratching, or carving. The result is typically recessed lines or a surface texture that remains visible. Engraving is used on metal, wood, glass, stone, bone, and plastics. It is distinct from etching, which relies on chemical action to dissolve the surface, and from embossing, which raises the design rather than cuts into it.

Techniques and materials: Hand engraving uses tools such as a burin or graver to cut into metal (gold, silver, steel), but is also practiced on wood, ivory, or stone. Mechanical and computer-controlled engraving use rotating cutters. Laser engraving employs a focused laser to ablate material, and is common on metal, plastic, wood, and glass. Glass and stone can also be engraved with abrasive wheels or diamond-tipped tools.

History and context: Engraving has ancient roots with early marks on bone, shell, and stone. In classical times it decorated metalwork and coins; during the Middle Ages and Renaissance it adorned jewelry and ceremonial blades. With the rise of printmaking, engraving also produced intaglio prints, and later industrial processes enabled mass production of decorated surfaces.

Applications and uses: Engraving provides inscriptions, monograms, and decorative motifs for jewelry, trophies, plaques, musical instruments, firearms, and commemorative items. It is used for personalization, archival labeling, and artwork.

Etymology: The word engraving derives from Old French graver meaning to scratch or carve.