acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

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

ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-rist 

ˈa-kə-

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

The new way: surround the dragon Surrounding the dragon (a phrase borrowed from acupuncture, but applied here to marketing) skips the slow burn and the trickle of metrics. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

However, a 2018 clinical trial found 15 sessions of acupuncture over three weeks helped reduce tinnitus loudness and severity in people with nerve issues. —Carley Millhone, Health, 20 Oct. 2024

The woman later exacts her revenge by (accidentally?) puncturing Judy’s lung during an intense session of acupuncture. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 17 Oct. 2024

Therapies such as acupuncture, massage, laser therapy, nerve stimulation and chiropractic care might be useful too, depending on the individual. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈak-yə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

: 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 

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease, relieve pain, or promote healing