Word
masa
/ˈmɑsɑ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. soft dough made from corn flour and water, used for tortillas and tamales.
n. dough prepared from nixtamalized corn flour mixed with water, used as the base for tortillas, tamales, and similar dishes.
Examples
“She buys fresh masa to make tortillas.”
“The cook kneads the masa until soft, then presses it into thin rounds for the evening tacos.”
“Proper tamales depend on masa whipped with lard to a light texture that steams into a tender, corn-scented crumb.”
Examples
simple
“She buys fresh masa to make tortillas.”
contextual
“The cook kneads the masa until soft, then presses it into thin rounds for the evening tacos.”
complex
“Proper tamales depend on masa whipped with lard to a light texture that steams into a tender, corn-scented crumb.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “masa” in context.
Verb
01. knead masa
“Knead the masa for ten minutes until it feels soft and pliable.”
verb + noun
02. masa crumbles
“If the masa crumbles when pressed, it needs more water.”
noun + verb
03. masa dries
“Cover the bowl or the masa dries out and cracks quickly.”
noun + verb
Adjective
04. fresh masa
“We bought fresh masa from the tortilleria to make tamales that evening.”
adj + noun
05. homemade masa
“Her homemade masa gives the tamales a much richer corn flavour.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. ball of masa
“Roll a small ball of masa before pressing it flat.”
noun + prep + noun
07. batch of masa
“She mixed a large batch of masa for the family celebration.”
noun + prep + noun
08. layer of masa
“Spread a thin layer of masa onto each soaked husk.”
noun + prep + noun
09. masa harina
“If you lack fresh masa, use masa harina mixed with warm water.”
noun + noun
10. a ball of fresh masa
“Take a ball of fresh masa and flatten it in the press.”
11. knead the masa until smooth
“Knead the masa until smooth, then let it rest for twenty minutes.”
12. make tamales with masa
“Our family gathers each December to make tamales with masa.”
Real-World Examples
“During the festive season, tens of thousands flock to one of the three market locations in the Los Angeles region in search of the freshly made masa, a fundamental component for tamales.” “A freshly ground masa tortilla, as it cooks on a comal, inflates as the steam inside pushes apart the sides and releases an intoxicating toasted corn aroma.” “That masa can be transformed into nearly endless shapes and textures for tortillas, tlacoyos, tamales, huaraches, gorditas, and more.” Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese 柾 (masa) or 政 (masa), an abbreviation of 柾紙 (masagami) or 政紙 (masagami).
From Spanish masa (“dough”). Doublet of mass.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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