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karate

Pronunciation: /kəˈrɑːti/

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Definition of karate

noun

[mass noun]
  • an oriental system of unarmed combat using the hands and feet to deliver and block blows, widely practised as a sport.

It was formalized in Okinawa in the 17th century, and popularized via Japan after about 1920. Karate is performed barefoot in loose padded clothing, with a coloured belt indicating the level of skill, and involves mental as well as physical training

Origin:

Japanese, from kara 'empty' + te 'hand'

karate in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of karate in the US English dictionary