acupuncture — a traditional Chinese medical practice involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to treat illness or relieve pain
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a traditional Chinese medical practice involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to treat illness or relieve pain
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈækjupʌŋktʃər/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother swears by acupuncture and claims it's better than any painkiller for her arthritis.
- He was so afraid of acupuncture needles that he fainted just looking at the treatment room.
- The acupuncture clinic offers both traditional Chinese methods and modern electroacupuncture.
acupuncture
NOUN[/ˈækjupʌŋktʃər/]
a traditional Chinese medical practice involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to treat illness or relieve pain

The patient relaxes as the therapist places acupuncture needles along her back.

At this crucial juncture of acupuncture, an unexpected puncture!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Acupuncture is a 17th-century Latin compound term coined by Western physicians encountering traditional Chinese medicine. It combines the Latin 'acus' (needle) and 'punctura' (pricking), creating a descriptive term for the ancient therapeutic practice of inserting needles into the body.
Breakdown
acus (Latin: needle) + punctura (Latin: pricking, piercing). The word literally translates to 'needle-pricking,' forming a compound that describes the core technique of the traditional medical practice.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother swears by acupuncture and claims it's better than any painkiller for her arthritis.”
“He was so afraid of acupuncture needles that he fainted just looking at the treatment room.”
“The acupuncture clinic offers both traditional Chinese methods and modern electroacupuncture.”
“After trying everything else, she decided to give acupuncture a shot—literally.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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