Main Entry: acu·punc·ture

Pronunciation: \-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin acus + English puncture

Date: 1684

: 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

— acu·punc·tur·ist \-ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-rist\ noun