MASTICATE


Meaning of MASTICATE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈmas-tə-ˌkāt ]

verb

( -cat·ed ; -cat·ing )

Etymology: Late Latin masticatus, past participle of masticare, from Greek mastichan to gnash the teeth; akin to Greek masasthai to chew — more at mandible

Date: 1562

transitive verb

1. : to grind or crush (food) with or as if with the teeth : chew

2. : to soften or reduce to pulp by crushing or kneading

intransitive verb

: chew

• mas·ti·ca·tion ˌmas-tə-ˈkā-shən noun

• mas·ti·ca·tor ˈmas-tə-ˌkā-tər noun

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.