masticatory

1 of 2

noun

mas·​ti·​ca·​to·​ry ˈma-sti-kə-ˌtȯr-ē 

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

Social media influencers may claim otherwise because gum chewing does strengthen certain masticatory muscles – particularly the masseter, tongue and cheek muscles – which can improve bite force and chewing performance. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1583, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for masticatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

Medical Definition

masticatory

1 of 2 adjective

mas·​ti·​ca·​to·​ry ˈmas-ti-kə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

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