Definition of "mezzotint" [mez•zo•tint]

• A method of engraving a copper or steel plate by scraping and burnishing areas to produce effects of light and shadow. (noun)
• A print made from a plate engraved by mezzotint. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The painting was engraved by James Heath, who bought the original painting, and was also engraved in mezzotint in 1804 by William Dickinson."
• "This is the foundation of what is called mezzotint engraving, which"
• "Young, John (1755 – 1825): mezzotint engraver and etcher."