masticate

Everyday

1. (formal, science) To masticate is to chew food so it is broken into small pieces before swallowing. tree →
2. (technical) To masticate rubber is to soften it by crushing and kneading it. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on digestion, mastication by the teeth is the first step: molars grind, incisors cut, saliva softens. In everyday talk it is a big, funny word for «chew». Phrases: «masticate your food», «mastication».

Examples

• Digestion starts when you masticate your food. tree →
• The cow lay in the field slowly masticating grass. tree →
• Molars help you masticate tough food. tree →
• «Masticate thoroughly,» the doctor said, meaning «chew well». tree →
• Cows masticate their food twice by chewing the cud. tree →
• Mastication mixes food with saliva. tree →

Note

Formal word; everyday word «chew». Noun «mastication». In everyday writing «chew» is clearer. Past form «masticated».