masticate
UK: ˈmæstɪkeɪt | US: ˈmæstɪkeɪt
vt. to chew food thoroughly
vt. to grind or crush something with the teeth
masticate = mast<chew> + icate<verb suffix>
- mast (from Greek mastichán "to gnash the teeth," related to mástix "whip, lash")
- icate (Latin verb-forming suffix -icāre, indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "masticate" traces back to Greek mastichán, which originally described the grinding motion of teeth. The Latin suffix -icāre was added to form a verb, emphasizing the repetitive action of chewing. The logic mirrors the physical process—breaking down food by rhythmic crushing, much like a whip's lashing motion (hinted at by mástix). Over time, it specialized to mean thorough chewing, distinct from simpler terms like "bite" or "gnaw."
Cows masticate their food slowly before swallowing.
The dentist advised him to masticate gum to strengthen his jaw.
Ancient texts describe how some tribes would masticate leaves for medicinal purposes.
Babies learn to masticate solid foods around six months of age.
The machine mimics how humans masticate to test food texture.