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

Limited research suggests that acupuncture may increase scalp circulation and stimulate hair growth.2 When To See a Healthcare Provider Alopecia areata is a common condition, and help is available. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 30 Apr. 2025

That can look like hiring help to reduce stress, regular acupuncture, or even switching out harsh cleaning chemicals. —Eman Bare, Essence, 21 Apr. 2025

Vitamins with every meal, cataract surgery, and in-house acupuncture are just a few of the perks that staff members provide for their older charges. —Brooke Holder, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Mar. 2025

These include practices aimed at tapping into a life force known as Qi (pronounced chee), which include acupuncture, massage therapy, tai chi, cupping, sound therapy and yoga. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for acupuncture

• venipuncture
• conjuncture
• disjuncture
• juncture
• puncture

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