aquatint

[ ak-wuh-tint, ah-kwuh- ]
/ ˈæk wəˌtɪnt, ˈɑ kwə- /

noun

a process imitating the broad flat tints of ink or wash drawings by etching a microscopic crackle on the copperplate intended for printing.
an etching made by this process.

verb (used with or without object)

to etch in aquatint.

Origin of aquatint

1775–85; variant of aqua-tinta < Italian acqua tinta literally, tinted water. See aqua, tint

OTHER WORDS FROM aquatint

aq·ua·tint·er, aq·ua·tint·ist, noun

Words nearby aquatint

aquarium, aquarius, aquashow, aquatic, aquatics, aquatint, aquatone, aquavit, aqueduct, aqueduct of sylvius, aqueductus

Example sentences from the Web for aquatint

British Dictionary definitions for aquatint

aquatint
/ (ˈækwəˌtɪnt) /

noun

a technique of etching copper with acid to produce an effect resembling the flat tones of wash or watercolour. The tone or tint is obtained by acid (aqua) biting through the pores of a ground that only partially protects the copper
an etching made in this way

verb

(tr) to etch (a block, etc) in aquatint

Word Origin for aquatint

C18: from Italian acqua tinta: dyed water