Main Entry: ¹chew

Pronunciation: \ˈchü\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English cēowan; akin to Old High German kiuwan to chew, Russian zhevat'

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 : to crush, grind, or gnaw (as food) with or as if with the teeth : masticate
2 : to injure, destroy, or consume as if by chewing —usually used with up <chewing up profits>intransitive verb : to chew something; specifically : to chew tobacco

— chew·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective

— chew·er noun

— chewy \ˈchü-ē\ adjective

— chew on : to think about : ponder <chewing on the new developments>

— chew the fat also chew the rag : to make friendly familiar conversation : chat