masticate

Definition

To chew (usually food).

Etymology

From Latin masticātus, perfect passive participle of masticō (“to chew”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Alternatively, back-formation from mastication, either ultimately from Ancient Greek μαστιχάω (mastikháō, “to grind the teeth”). Compare French mastiquer.

Example Sentences

• "The cow stood, quietly masticating its cud."
• "The fat boy rose, opened his eyes, swallowed the huge piece of pie he had been in the act of masticating when he last fell asleep, and slowly obeyed his master’s orders."
• ""By tasting it, to be sure," said I, masticating a morsel that Kory-Kory had just put in my mouth."

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