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masticate

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mastication

Main Entry:: mas·ti·cate
Pronunciation:: \ˈmas-tə-ˌkāt\
Function:: verb
Inflected Form(s):: mas·ti·cat·ed; mas·ti·cat·ing
Etymology:: Late Latin masticatus, past participle of masticare, from Greek mastichan to gnash the teeth; akin to Greek masasthai to chew — more at mandible
Date:: 1562

transitive verb 1 : to grind or crush (food) with or as if with the teeth : chew 2 : to soften or reduce to pulp by crushing or kneading intransitive verb : chew

— mas·ti·ca·tion

Listen to the pronunciation of mastication

\ˌmas-tə-ˈkā-shən\ noun

— mas·ti·ca·tor

Listen to the pronunciation of masticator

\ˈmas-tə-ˌkā-tər\ noun

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