etch

Universal Words on A( 1 to cut lines into a piece of glass, metal etc. in order to make words or a picture: [VN] a glass tankard with his initials etched on it * a glass tankard etched with his initials * A security number had been etched on the car window as a protection against theft. [also V] 2 [VN] [usuallypassive] )literary( if a feeling is etched on sb's face, or sb's face is etched with a feeling, that feeling can be seen very clearly: Tiredness was etched on his face. * His face was etched with tiredness. 3 [VN] [usuallypassive] to make a strong clear mark or pattern on sth: a mountain etched )= having a clear outline( against the sky IDIOMS be etched on your heart / memory / mind )written( if sth is etched on your memory, you remember it because it has made a strong impression on you