Masticate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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masticate

[หˆmรฆstษชkeษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

chewing food

To chew (food). It is a process of breaking down food into smaller pieces using the teeth and jaws. Mastication is an important part of the digestive system.

Synonyms

bite, chew, gnaw.

Examples of usage

  • I take my time to masticate my food properly.
  • She was advised to masticate slowly to aid digestion.
Context #2 | Verb

grinding or crushing

To grind or crush (something) into a pulp. It can also refer to the action of crushing something between the teeth or jaws.

Synonyms

crush, grind, pulverize.

Examples of usage

  • The machine masticates the ingredients to make a smooth paste.
  • He masticated the herbs to release their flavors.

Translations

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Origin of 'masticate'

The word 'masticate' comes from the Latin word 'masticare', which means 'to chew'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe the action of chewing or grinding food. The process of mastication is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption in the human body.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,355, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.