in·ta·glio / inˈtalyō; -ˈtäl-/ • n. (pl. -glios) a design incised or engraved into a material: the dies bore a design in intaglio. ∎  a gem with an incised design. ∎  any printing process in which the type or design is etched or engraved, such as photogravure or dry point.• v. (-glioes, -glioed) [tr.] [usu. as adj.] (intaglioed) engrave or represent by an engraving: a carved box with little intaglioed pineapples on it.

intaglio Incised carving on gemstones, hardstones or glass, in which the design is sunk below the surface. In printing, the term is used to describe processes in which ink is applied to incisions and hollows in a printing plate, as in etching.

intaglio figure incised or engraved; incised gem. XVII. — It., f. intagliare engrave, f. IN-1 + tagliare cut.