malaxar

Senses

1. 1.

   to knead

   to work dough or clay repeatedly with the hands until soft and pliable

2. 2.

   to massage

   to rub and press muscles or tissue with the hands for therapeutic purposes

3. 3.

   to manipulate

   to handle or work something gradually into a desired shape or condition

Examples

• "La panadería malaxaba la masa durante diez minutos."

  The bakery kneaded the dough for ten minutes.

• "El fisioterapeuta malaxaba los músculos del paciente para aliviar la tensión."

  The physiotherapist massaged the patient's muscles to relieve tension.

• "Malaxar la arcilla correctamente es esencial para la cerámica."

  Properly kneading the clay is essential for pottery.

Usage

Malaxar is a somewhat formal or technical verb, more common in culinary and therapeutic contexts. It is less frequently used in everyday speech than simpler alternatives like amasar (knead) or masajear (massage). The verb appears in older and more literary texts as well.