Mastication: meaning, definitions and examples

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mastication

[ˌmastɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in daily life

The act or process of chewing food.

Synonyms

chewing, gnawing, munching.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mastication	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	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	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	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

Examples of usage

She learned the importance of proper mastication for good digestion.
Mastication is the first step in the process of digestion.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

medical field

The process of grinding food using the teeth.

Synonyms

biting, chewing, grinding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mastication	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
chewing	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
biting	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
grinding	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

Examples of usage

Dentists often emphasize the importance of proper mastication for oral health.
Problems with mastication can lead to digestive issues.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin 'masticare', meaning 'to chew', which relates to the Latin word 'māns', meaning 'to chew' or 'to grind'.
It has been in use in English since the late 14th century, evolving from its more general meaning into the specific act of chewing.
In various languages, the root word related to mastication often refers to grinding or crushing, highlighting its universal importance in eating.

Science

Mastication is essential for digestion; it breaks down food into smaller pieces, making nutrients easier to absorb.
Saliva plays a crucial role during mastication, as it begins the digestion of carbohydrates and helps lubricate food for easier swallowing.
The human jaw can exert a force of about 200 pounds, allowing the teeth to break down extremely tough food items.

Health

Proper mastication can help prevent digestive issues by allowing food to be broken down adequately before entering the stomach.
Studies suggest that more thorough chewing can enhance the feeling of fullness, potentially leading to better weight management.
For some individuals, like those with certain dental issues, challenges in mastication can lead to dietary restrictions or decreased enjoyment of food.

Cultural Aspects

In many cultures, the way one eats and chews food is considered an important aspect of dining etiquette.
Traditions around food, such as those in Asian cultures, often emphasize not just what is eaten, but how it is chewed, promoting mindfulness.
Some cultures even have specific sayings or proverbs associated with mastication, underscoring the importance of savoring every bite.

Literature

Chewing and eating are common themes in literature, often used to represent indulgence, necessity, or even character traits. Authors like Dickens have elaborated on such imagery.
Poets have sometimes likened the process of chewing to life's complexities, suggesting that how we break down experiences mirrors how we masticate food.
In children's literature, stories often incorporate chewing as a playful aspect, highlighting the fun side of eating.

Translations

Translations of the word "mastication" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mastigação

🇮🇳 चबाना

🇩🇪 Kauen

🇮🇩 pengunyahan

🇺🇦 жування

🇵🇱 żucie

🇯🇵 咀嚼 (そしゃく)

🇫🇷 mastication

🇪🇸 masticación

🇹🇷 çiğneme

🇰🇷 씹기 (ssibgi)

🇸🇦 مضغ

🇨🇿 žvýkání

🇸🇰 žuvanie

🇨🇳 咀嚼 (jǔjué)

🇸🇮 žvečenje

🇮🇸 tygging

🇰🇿 шайнау

🇬🇪 ღეჭვა (ghcheva)

🇦🇿 çeynəmə

🇲🇽 masticación