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definitions

tapotement

[tuh-poht-ment]
noun
  1. the use of various light, quick chopping, slapping, or beating strokes on the body during massage.

Origin of tapotement

1885–90; < French, equivalent to tapot(er) to tap, drum on, with the fingers or edge of the hand (tap(er) to tap, strike (expressive v. akin to tap1) + -oter frequentative or attenuating suffix) + -ment -ment
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
tapotement in Medicine

tapotement

[tə-pōt′mənt, tä-pôt-mäɴ′]
n.
  1. A striking with the side of the hand, usually with partly flexed fingers, used in massage.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.