masticate

mas·ti·cate

verb \ˈmas-tə-ˌkāt\

mas·ti·cat·edmas·ti·cat·ing

Definition of MASTICATE

transitive verb

1

: to grind, crush, and chew (food) with or as if with the teeth in preparation for swallowing

2

: to soften or reduce to pulp by crushing or kneading

intransitive verb

: to make the motions involved in masticating food

—mas·ti·ca·tion \ˌmas-tə-ˈkā-shən\ noun