[mas.ti.cate] vb -cat.ed ; -cat.ing [LL masticatus, pp. of masticare, fr. Gk mastichan to gnash the teeth; akin to Gk masasthai to chew--more at mandible] vt (1649) 1: to grind or crush (food) with or as if with the teeth in preparation for swallowing: chew
2: to soften or reduce to pulp by crushing or kneading ~ vi: chew -- mas.ti.ca.tion n -- mas.ti.ca.tor n