First Known Use: circa 1860
Dictionary
1massage
noun mas·sage \mə-ˈsäzh, -ˈsäj\
: the action of rubbing or pressing someone's body in a way that helps muscles to relax or reduces pain in muscles and joints
Full Definition of MASSAGE
: manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for therapeutic purposes
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Origin of MASSAGE
French, from masser to massage, from Arabic massa to stroke
Other Medicine Terms
2massage
verb
: to rub or press (someone's body) in a way that helps muscles to relax or reduces pain in muscles and joints : to give a massage to (someone or a part of someone's body)
: to change (numbers, data, etc.) in a dishonest way in order to deceive people
mas·sagedmas·sag·ing
Full Definition of MASSAGE
transitive verb
1
: to subject to massage
2
a : to treat flatteringly : blandish b : manipulate, doctor <massaged the data to help his cause>
— mas·sag·er noun
See massage defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MASSAGE
1887
MASSAGE Defined for Kids
1massage
noun mas·sage \mə-ˈsäzh\
Definition of MASSAGE for Kids
: a soothing treatment of the body done by rubbing, kneading, and tapping
2massage
verb
mas·sagedmas·sag·ing
Definition of MASSAGE for Kids
: to give a soothing treatment to (the body) by rubbing, stroking, or pressing with the hands
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