intaglio
UK[ɪnˈtɑːlɪəʊ]US[ɪnˈtælɪoʊ]
n
a design or carving cut into a hard surface, especially so that it is below the surface level
n
a gem with an incised design
n
a printing process in which the ink is held by sunken areas of the printing plate
Morpheme Breakdown
in
taglio
in
in, into
taglio
a cut, cutting
Etymology
The word 'intaglio' entered english in the mid-17th century directly from italian, where 'intaglio' means 'engraving' or 'carving'. It is formed from the italian verb 'intagliare', which combines the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'into') and 'tagliare' (meaning 'to cut'). This italian verb itself descends from the late latin 'intaliare', a compound of latin 'in-' and 'taliare' (to cut). The core concept, cutting into a surface, has remained remarkably consistent from its latin origins through italian and into its specialized english meanings for engraved designs, gems, and a printing technique.
Analysis
Structure: in + taglio
- in: from latin 'in-', meaning 'in, into'. serves as a prefix indicating inward direction or location.
- taglio: from italian 'taglio', meaning 'a cut, cutting'. derived from latin 'talea', meaning 'a slender stick, cutting'. serves as the core root denoting the action of cutting.
Examples
The artist specialized in the delicate art of intaglio, carving intricate scenes into semiprecious stones.
This ancient seal is an intaglio, with the official symbol cut in reverse into the hematite.
Intaglio printing, which includes etching and engraving, produces rich, velvety lines because the ink is wiped from the surface and retained in the grooves.