CARVE

[verb] [T] - to make (something) by cutting into esp. wood or stone, or to cut into the surface of (stone, wood, etc.)The huge heads on Easter Island were carved from local stone.This totem pole is carved from/out of a single tree trunk.He carved her name on the wall. [T]Before Hallowe'en, the children carved a pumpkin into a frightening mask. [T]The pot was carved with unusual designs (= it had patterns cut into its surface).We walked up a staircase made of carved oak (= made of wood with patterns cut into it).Some of the tunnels in the cliff are natural, some were carved out (= cut into the rock) by soldiers for defensive purposes. [T](figurative) She carved out (= made) a reputation for herself as an aggressive businesswoman. [T](figurative) The new airline hopes to carve out (= to obtain by skilful business activities) a place for itself in the European market.(figurative) The Nazi-Soviet pact carved up (= divided to its own advantage) the Baltic states in 1939.(figurative) The inner ring road is carved through (= has been made through) the city's centre.(figurative) He hopes to carve a niche (= make a position) for himself as a leading researcher in his field of study.To carve a large piece of cooked meat is to cut thin pieces from it.Would you like me to carve (the chicken)?(informal) If a suggestion or a plan is carved in stone, it cannot be changed.These proposals are for discussion, they're not carved in stone.