acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər How to pronounce acupuncture (audio)
ˈa-kə-
: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease or relieve pain (as in surgery)
acupuncture transitive verb
acupuncturist noun

Did you know?

In Latin, acus means "needle", and the English word acupuncture was coined way back in the 17th century to describe a technique the Chinese had already been using for 2,000 years. An acupuncturist may insert many extremely fine needles at a time; the treatment is usually uncomfortable but not truly painful. In China today, even major surgery is often carried out using only acupuncture to kill the pain; it's also used for many other conditions, including insomnia, depression, smoking, and overweight. Acupuncture is based on ancient theories of bodily energy that few Western doctors have ever accepted; but even though attempts to explain its effects by Western science have been unsuccessful, it's now widely recognized by doctors as effective for pain reduction.

Examples of acupuncture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web My answers, along with a check of my pulse, form the basis of my treatment itinerary, which includes daily four-hand oil massages, acupuncture, and sessions devoted to cupping, yogic posture, breath work, and meditation. Prasad Ramamurthy, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Feb. 2024 Still, some evidence suggests that acupuncture might prevent flares. Colleen Stinchcombe, Health, 19 Nov. 2023 The 90-minute facial acupuncture session ($325) includes sound therapy, gua sha, and cranial massage. Monica Corcoran Harel, Travel + Leisure, 16 Oct. 2023 During that time, acupuncture can work faster than other treatments, such as anti-anxiety drugs. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 28 Jan. 2024 The highlights: Services include acupuncture, nutrition, Vela Shape, laser hair removal and cosmetic laser. Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Artist Lauren Bon and her team at Metabolic Studio are taking an approach akin to acupuncture: drawing water from the river’s concrete channel to a well on a property owned by Metabolic, where it will be cleaned and used to irrigate Los Angeles State Historic Park. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2023 Was doing all the warming foods and acupuncture twice a week. Joelle Goldstein, Peoplemag, 26 Jan. 2024 Jessica tried everything short of IVF: medication that stimulates ovulation, intrauterine insemination, supplements, daily blood tests and even acupuncture. Sarah Gish, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acupuncture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin acū- (stem—or ablative—of acus "needle") + puncture entry 1 — more at acute

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acupuncture was in 1684

Dictionary Entries Near acupuncture

Cite this Entry

“Acupuncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acupuncture. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

acupuncture

noun
acu·​punc·​ture ˈak-yə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər How to pronounce acupuncture (audio)
: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specified points especially to cure disease or relieve pain
Etymology

Latin acus "needle" and English puncture

Medical Definition

acupuncture

noun
acu·​punc·​ture -ˌpəŋ(k)-chər How to pronounce acupuncture (audio)
: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease, relieve pain, or promote healing

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