masa
noun
ma·sa ˈmä-sə 
: a dough used in Mexican cuisine (as for tortillas and tamales) that is made from ground corn soaked in a lime and water solution
also : masa harina
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The tacos offer much to recommend, starting with tortillas pressed to order using yellow masa from Portland’s own Three Sisters Nixtamal. 
oregonlive, 13 Sep. 2022 Jackie Amézquita was drawn to corn masa as a medium for both its practicality as a binding agent and for its deep connection with her heritage. Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2022 Like many independent chefs finding success selling their masa creations, Galvan’s main platform for outreach is through Instagram—a highly visual medium. Andrea Aliseda, Bon Appétit, 10 June 2022 The original corn tortilla is thicker than most, made from La Jolla Tortilleria masa that’s delivered daily. Jenn Harriscolumnist, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2022 But today, Lopez works with colorful masa made with maíz from regions like her hometown, and revels in expressing its natural beauty. Andrea Aliseda, Bon Appétit, 10 June 2022 His blue, red and white corn tortillas are made from heirloom Masienda masa. Jenn Harris Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2022 An early version of the humble chip made from fried corn masa was originally created sometime in the early 20th century by a San Antonian named Gustavo Olguin. Richard A. Marini, San Antonio Express-News, 8 Nov. 2021 The pork is layered into a white-corn tortilla formed from fresh, housemade masa. Washington Post, 15 June 2022 See More
oregonlive, 13 Sep. 2022 Jackie Amézquita was drawn to corn masa as a medium for both its practicality as a binding agent and for its deep connection with her heritage. Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2022 Like many independent chefs finding success selling their masa creations, Galvan’s main platform for outreach is through Instagram—a highly visual medium. Andrea Aliseda, Bon Appétit, 10 June 2022 The original corn tortilla is thicker than most, made from La Jolla Tortilleria masa that’s delivered daily. Jenn Harriscolumnist, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2022 But today, Lopez works with colorful masa made with maíz from regions like her hometown, and revels in expressing its natural beauty. Andrea Aliseda, Bon Appétit, 10 June 2022 His blue, red and white corn tortillas are made from heirloom Masienda masa. Jenn Harris Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2022 An early version of the humble chip made from fried corn masa was originally created sometime in the early 20th century by a San Antonian named Gustavo Olguin. Richard A. Marini, San Antonio Express-News, 8 Nov. 2021 The pork is layered into a white-corn tortilla formed from fresh, housemade masa. Washington Post, 15 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Spanish, mash, dough
First Known Use
circa 1896, in the meaning defined above