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