masticate

[ mas-ti-keyt ]
/ ˈmæs tɪˌkeɪt /

verb (used with or without object), mas·ti·cat·ed, mas·ti·cat·ing.

to chew.
to reduce to a pulp by crushing or kneading, as rubber.

Origin of masticate

1640–50; < Late Latin masticātus, past participle of masticāre to chew. See mastic, -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM masticate

Words nearby masticate

masterwork, masterwort, mastery, masthead, mastic, masticate, masticatory, masticatory force, masticatory system, mastiff, mastiff bat

British Dictionary definitions for masticable

masticate
/ (ˈmæstɪˌkeɪt) /

verb

to chew (food)
to reduce (materials such as rubber) to a pulp by crushing, grinding, or kneading

Derived forms of masticate

masticable, adjective mastication, noun masticator, noun

Word Origin for masticate

C17: from Late Latin masticāre, from Greek mastikhan to grind the teeth

Medical definitions for masticable

masticate
[ măs′tĭ-kāt′ ]

v.

To chew food.

Other words from masticate

mas′ti•ca′tion n.