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noun Uncommon

acupuncture

A-kyoo-puhngk-chur

Acupuncture (noun) means a traditional Chinese medical treatment involving inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, often used for pain relief. Example: “She tried acupuncture to help with her chronic back pain.”

noun
1
A traditional Chinese medical treatment involving inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, often used for pain relief.
"She tried acupuncture to help with her chronic back pain."

How to use acupuncture

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA treatment, originating in China, that uses fine needles inserted into the skin to relieve pain or treat illness.

Common pairings
acupuncture treatment acupuncture needles try acupuncture

Word forms

acupunctured past tense, acupunctures plural, acupunctures singular

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She tried _____ to help with her chronic back pain.

Etymology

A learned borrowing from New Latin acupunctura, joining acus ("needle") and punctura ("puncture"). First recorded in English in 1684.

Origin: New Latin · First attested 1684

Class of 1684 acupuncture joined the language around 1684.
See the full Class of 1684 →
stylostixis

Rhymes for acupuncture

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Frequently asked questions

What does “acupuncture” mean?

The word “acupuncture” means a traditional Chinese medical treatment involving inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, often used for pain relief. In plain terms, a treatment, originating in China, that uses fine needles inserted into the skin to relieve pain or treat illness.

How do you pronounce “acupuncture”?

“Acupuncture” is pronounced A-kyoo-puhngk-chur (/ˈæ.kjuˌpʌŋk.t͡ʃɝ/ in IPA).

How do you use “acupuncture” in a sentence?

Here is “acupuncture” used in a sentence: “She tried acupuncture to help with her chronic back pain.”

What part of speech is “acupuncture”?

“Acupuncture” is a noun.

Where does the word “acupuncture” come from?

The word “acupuncture” dates back to around 1684 and comes from New Latin. A learned borrowing from New Latin acupunctura, joining acus ("needle") and punctura ("puncture"). First recorded in English in 1684.

Is “acupuncture” a common word?

“Acupuncture” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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