mastication

Everyday

1. (formal, science) Chewing: crushing food with the teeth so it can be swallowed and digested. tree →
2. The process of chewing as the first stage of digestion. tree →

In the lessons

Used in science lessons about digestion and teeth: digestion begins in the mouth with mastication and saliva. In everyday talk people simply say «chewing». Phrases: mastication of food, muscles of mastication.

Examples

• Digestion starts with mastication in the mouth. tree →
• Mastication breaks food into small pieces. tree →
• Molars are the teeth used most for mastication. tree →
• Saliva mixes with the food during mastication. tree →
• Cows spend hours on mastication of grass. tree →
• Good mastication helps the stomach do its job. tree →
• The jaw muscles control mastication. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Very formal/scientific; in speech say «chewing». Verb: masticate (formal for chew). Do not confuse with words that look a little similar but mean other things.