acupuncture

[ noun ak-yoo-puhngk-cher; verb ak-yoo-puhngk-cher, ak-yoo-puhngk- ]

noun

1. a Chinese medical practice or procedure that treats illness or provides local anesthesia by the insertion of needles at specified sites of the body.

verb (used with object)

, ac·u·punc·tured, ac·u·punc·tur·ing.

1. to perform acupuncture on.

acupuncture

/ ˈækjʊˌpʌŋktʃə /

noun

1. the insertion of the tips of needles into the skin at specific points for the purpose of treating various disorders by stimulating nerve impulses. Originally Chinese, this method of treatment is practised in many parts of the world Also calledstylostixis

acupuncture

/ ăk′y-pŭngk′chər /

1. The practice of inserting thin needles into the body at specific points to relieve pain, treat a disease, or anesthetize a body part during surgery. Acupuncture has its origin in traditional Chinese medicine and has been in use for more than 5,000 years.

acupuncture

1. A technique, which originated in China , for curing disease, relieving pain, or bringing about partial anesthesia by inserting needles into the body at specific points.

Derived Forms

• ˈacuˌpuncturist, noun
• ˈacuˌpunctural, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acupuncture¹

1675–85; < Latin acū with a needle (ablative of acus needle) or acu- (as combining form of acus ) + puncture

Word History and Origins

Origin of acupuncture¹

C17: from Latin acus needle + puncture

Example Sentences

For years, Winter has worked to promote “urban acupuncture” through small-scale projects on residential properties that capture rainwater and allow it to infiltrate into the soil.

From Los Angeles Times

Because there are more advanced medical technologies and treatments for pets now — MRIs, allergy testing, even acupuncture — there’s often more to charge for.

From Los Angeles Times

The American Institute of Alternative Medicine says cosmetic acupuncture “operates on the belief that the face reflects the body’s internal balance and health.”

From Los Angeles Times

I tried natural sleep supplements and acupuncture but neither worked.

From Los Angeles Times

And as medical technologies and treatments for our pets advance — MRIs, chemotherapy, allergy testing, even acupuncture — so too has the average cost of a vet visit.

From Los Angeles Times