masticate

/ˈmæs.tɪ.keɪt/ formal

Definition

› to chew (= crush with the teeth) foodBiting, chewing and swallowingEating mastication

/ˌmæs.tɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ noun [U]

(Definition of masticate verb from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

+ Free Dictionary Toolbar for Browsers
+ Add Dictionary Search to iGoogle and your website

+ Become a fan on Facebook
+ Follow us on Twitter!

Browse related topics

You are looking at an entry to do with Biting, chewing & swallowing, but you might be interested in these topics from the Eating and feeding topic area:

Eating
Giving food to people & animals
Hungry & thirsty
Meals & parts of meals
People who make & serve food
Providing & serving meals
Restaurants & cafes

Browse the Dictionary

mastery noun (SKILL)
masthead noun (ON LETTERS/EMAILS)
masthead noun (ON NEWSPAPER)
masthead noun (ON SHIP)
masthead noun (ON WEBSITE)
masticate verb
mastiff noun
mastitis noun
masturbate verb
mat noun (FLOOR)
mat noun (LAYER)

Browse the Thesaurus

Business
Clothes
Education
Finance
Light and colour
Personal care

SMART Thesaurus

Synonyms and related words:

bite noun (USING TEETH)
bite verb (USE TEETH)
champ verb
chew noun
chew verb
chomp verb
crunch verb
dunk verb (INTO LIQUID)
gnaw verb (BITE)
lick noun (TONGUE)
lick verb (MOVE TONGUE)
munch verb
nibble noun
nibble verb
peck at sth phrasal verb
peck noun
peck verb
suck noun
suck verb (PULL IN)

Topic: Biting, chewing & swallowing

Our dictionaries

British English
American English
Business English
Learner's Dictionary
Essential British English
Essential American English
English-Spanish
Español-inglés
English-Turkish

Word of the Day

honest-to-goodness

real or true

Word of the Day ►

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More ►

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.