The word "intaglio" comes from the Italian which means to engrave or to cut into. In intaglio printing, an impression is made by pushing the paper into inked depressions and recesses in a metal plate. These depressions and recesses are created by acid (in etching and aquatint), by a burin or graver (in line and stipple engraving), or by direct scratching and scoring on the metal (in drypoint). Contemporary printing terminology broadens the term intaglio print to include works such as collagraphs and epoxy prints made by additive techniques, but printed in the intaglio fashion.

An intaglio print is made in several operations. First, a short, soft ink is applied to the surface of the etched or engraved plate and rubbed into all recessed and incised areas. The surface ink is then removed, leaving the ink deposited in all the crevices. Paper softened by being dampened with water is placed on the plate. Considerable pressure is applied forcing the paper into the recessed areas to pick up the ink.

Taken from: Printmaking: History and Process, Donal Saff and Deli Sacilotto