verbverb

malaxer

knead

To knead or mix: In a culinary or manual context, it refers to working a substance (such as dough, clay, or a thick mixture) with the hands or a mechanical tool to make it uniform, soft, or pliable.
To massage or manipulate: It can refer to the act of kneading human muscles or tissues, similar to a deep massage, to relax them or stimulate circulation.
In a figurative sense: It describes the act of mentally processing, dwelling on, or repeatedly turning over an idea or information in one's mind.

Grammar: It is a regular first-group verb (-er) used transitively. It is often used in the context of food preparation, arts and crafts (pottery), or physical therapy.
Origin: The word comes from the Latin malaxare, which itself is derived from the Greek malassein, meaning "to soften." The root focus is on changing the texture of a substance through pressure.

Synonyms:
- Pétrir (often used for dough or clay)
- Mélanger (to mix)
- Malaxer
- Masser (specifically for bodily tissue)
- Broyer (in certain industrial contexts)
Antonyms:
- Diviser (to divide or separate the mass)
- Émietter (to crumble, which is the opposite of forming a unified, kneaded mass)

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Je malaxe la pâte avec mes mains.verb

I knead the dough with my hands.

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