masticatory

1 of 2

noun

mas·​ti·​ca·​to·​ry ˈma-sti-kə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce masticatory (audio)
plural masticatories
: a substance chewed to increase saliva

masticatory

2 of 2

adjective

1
: used for or adapted to chewing
masticatory limbs of an arthropod
2
: of, relating to, or involving the organs of mastication
masticatory paralysis

Examples of masticatory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Human teeth were assembled in a simulating device of masticatory functions of apprehension and incision. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 31 Mar. 2014 But earlier this year, anthropologist Nathan Holton and his University of Iowa colleagues published a paper disputing the masticatory hypothesis. Jeff Wheelwright, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2015

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'masticatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1583, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of masticatory was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near masticatory

Cite this Entry

“Masticatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masticatory. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

masticatory

1 of 2 adjective
mas·​ti·​ca·​to·​ry ˈmas-ti-kə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce masticatory (audio)
1
: used for or adapted to chewing
the masticatory muscles
2
: of, relating to, or involving the organs of mastication
masticatory paralysis

masticatory

2 of 2 noun
plural masticatories
: a substance chewed to increase saliva
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