Definition of tattoo

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< tattoo

tatty >

tat·too ²    (t-t) KEY  

NOUN:
pl. tat·toos

1. A permanent mark or design made on the skin by a process of pricking and ingraining an indelible pigment or by raising scars.
2. A design made on the skin with a temporary dye such as henna or ink.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
tat·tooed , tat·too·ing , tat·toos

1. To mark (the skin) with a tattoo.
2. To form (a tattoo) on the skin.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Of Polynesian origin

OTHER FORMS:
tat·tooer (Noun), tat·tooist (Noun)

WORD HISTORY:
Although the practice of tattooing the body is very old, the English word tattoo is relatively new. The explorer Captain James Cook (who also gave us the word taboo) introduced the word to English speakers in his account of a voyage around the world from 1768 to 1771. Like taboo, tattoo comes from Polynesian languages such as Tahitian and Samoan. The earliest use of the verb tattoo in English is found in an entry for 1769 in Cook's diary. Sailors introduced the custom into Europe from the Pacific societies in which it was practiced, and it has remained associated with sailors, although many landlubbers now get tattoos as well.

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