Pronunciation: [mˈasə] (IPA) 
The word "massa" can be spelled differently, depending on its context and meaning. For example, it can be spelled "masa" when referring to a type of Mexican corn dough used to make tortillas or tamales. However, in the context of American slavery history, the word is spelled "massa" and is used as a dialectal pronunciation of "master" by enslaved people. The IPA phonetic transcription for "massa" is /ˈmæsə/.
Massa is a noun that can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It is derived from Italian and Portuguese origins, and it is primarily used in African-American Vernacular English. Here is a 200-word dictionary definition of "massa":
1. In the context of slavery: Massa refers to a shortened form of "master," a term used by enslaved African-Americans to address their white slaveholders or masters, particularly during the time of American slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries.
2. In the culinary sense: Massa can also denote a thick, dough-like mixture used in cooking. Examples include cornmeal batter used to make cornbread, or a blend of flour, water, and other ingredients to create a paste-like substance.
3. In a religious context: It is used as a term of reverence to refer to the Eucharistic sacramental bread in the Christian tradition, symbolizing the body of Christ.
4. In Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling: Massa might be used to describe a manipulation technique where one opponent applies pressure to the adversary's upper body or head, often as part of a grappling or submission hold.
5. In popular culture: Massa is occasionally used as a slang term to refer to a close friend or companion, primarily among certain social groups or individuals.
In conclusion, "massa" can have various meanings depending on the intended usage and context, ranging from historical and cultural references to culinary and sports-related terms.
In pharmacy, a soft solid preparation, containing a medicinal substance, of such consistency that it can readily be made into pills; there are two massae official in the U.S.P.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "massa" has multiple possible etymologies, depending on the context and language.
1. Latin: In Latin, the word "massa" originally referred to a lump or mass of dough or paste. It derived from the Latin verb "massō", meaning "to knead or handle", which is related to the Greek verb "massein". This Latin origin is seen in words like "mass" and "massive".
2. Italian: In Italian, "massa" means "mass" or "bulk". Its etymology is derived from the Latin meaning mentioned above.
3. Portuguese: In Portuguese, "massa" also means "mass" but is more commonly used to refer to "dough", particularly in the culinary context. The Portuguese term comes from the Latin origin as well.
4. Brazilian Portuguese slang: In Brazilian Portuguese slang, the word "massa" has a different meaning.
