aquatint
UK[ˈækwətɪnt]US[ˈækwəˌtɪnt]
n
a print resembling a watercolor, produced from a copper plate etched with nitric acid.
n
the technique or process of producing such prints.
Morpheme Breakdown
aqua
tint
aqua
water
tint
color/shade
Etymology
the term 'aquatint' is a modern compound, coined in the 18th century from the latin root 'aqua' (water) and the english word 'tint'. it was created to name a new etching technique invented around 1650. the name is descriptive, drawing a direct analogy: the process uses acid to create tonal areas on a printing plate, and the resulting print has the soft, fluid appearance of a watercolor wash or a tinted drawing. thus, the literal "water-color" logic of its parts perfectly captures the aesthetic quality of the artistic product.
Analysis
Structure: aqua (water) + tint (color/shade)
aqua (latin, meaning "water", functions as a root indicating a liquid or water-like quality); tint (from latin 'tinctus' via old english 'tint', meaning "a color or shade", functions as a root indicating coloration).
Examples
she mastered the difficult technique of aquatint to create subtle gradations in her prints.
the museum's exhibition features several rare goya aquatints.
the artist combined etching with aquatint to achieve both fine lines and broad tonal areas.