Mastication: meaning, definitions and examples

Mastication is a technical or medical term for the process of chewing. It is often used in professional or scientific contexts.

• Proper mastication is important for good digestion
• The dentist explained the benefits of thorough mastication

Chewing is commonly used to describe the general act of grinding food with teeth. It is a neutral term suitable for everyday conversation.

• She was chewing gum during the meeting
• You should chew your food well to aid digestion

Munching describes the act of eating something with a lot of noise or enthusiasm, often implied in a casual or informal setting.

• He was munching on a bag of chips while watching the game
• The kids were munching happily on their snacks

Gnawing implies persistently biting or nibbling something, often associated with animals or a repetitive action. It has a slightly negative or rough connotation.

• The dog was gnawing on a bone for hours
• He felt a gnawing pain in his stomach

This term is more technical and is often used in medical, dental, or scientific contexts. It refers to the process of breaking down food with the teeth and jaw movements.

• Proper mastication is vital for good digestion
• Patients with dental issues may have trouble with mastication

This is a common term used in everyday language to describe the act of using your teeth to break down food in your mouth. It implies a repetitive action.

• She was chewing gum
• Chewing your food thoroughly can aid digestion

This term is generally used to describe the initial action of using teeth to cut or grip something. It can also be used metaphorically or to describe aggressive actions.

• He took a big bite out of the apple
• The dog was biting on the toy
• Her biting remarks made him feel uncomfortable

This term is often used to describe the action of pulverizing or breaking down food into smaller particles. It can also refer to the sound or action of teeth clenching against each other, often associated with stress.

• The machine is used for grinding coffee beans
• He was grinding his teeth in his sleep