# masa

/ˈmɑsɑ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/masa
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

soft dough made from corn flour and water, used for tortillas and tamales.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.