karate Hear it!

karate definition

ka·rate (kə rät′ē)

noun

a Japanese system of self-defense characterized chiefly by sharp, quick blows delivered with the hands and feet

Etymology: Jpn, lit., prob. < kara, empty + te, hand

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.