Masticate

usgb/ˈmæstɪkeɪt/
verb

To chew food.

Before swallowing, you should masticate your food properly.
Visual representation of "masticate" - to chew food

Often appears as...

  • masticate food
  • masticate properly

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "masticate"
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Chewing Process

Masticate refers to the entire process of chewing, not just biting into something.

Illustration for Chewing Process
It's important to masticate each bite to aid digestion.
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Common Animals

'Masticate' is also used scientifically, often about how animals chew.

Illustration for Common Animals
Herbivore mammals masticate their food very thoroughly.
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Food Textures

While all foods can be masticated, the word is often associated with harder or chewier foods.

Illustration for Food Textures
She needed to masticate the tough meat for a long time.
Visual representation of the word "Masticate"

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