incise
UK: ɪnˈsaɪz | US: ɪnˈsaɪz
vt. to cut into a surface with a sharp tool, especially to make marks or patterns
vt. to carve or engrave (text or designs) into a material
incise = in<into> + cise<cut>
- in: A Latin prefix meaning "into" or "in," indicating direction or penetration.
- cise: Derived from Latin caedere (to cut), appearing in words like "scissors" and "excise."
Etymology Origin:
The word "incise" originates from Latin incisus, the past participle of incidere (to cut into). The morpheme in- reinforces the action of cutting inward, while -cise preserves the core meaning of cutting. This logical pairing reflects the word's literal and artistic applications, such as engraving or surgical incisions.
The artist used a fine blade to incise intricate patterns into the copper plate.
Surgeons must incise the skin carefully to avoid damaging underlying tissues.
Ancient civilizations often incised symbols onto stone tablets for record-keeping.
The knife slipped, accidentally incising a deep groove into the wooden table.
The calligrapher incised the parchment with elegant, flowing letters.