masticate — to chew food thoroughly before swallowing
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to chew food thoroughly before swallowing
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmæstɪkeɪt/
Example Sentences
- My dentist told me to masticate each bite 30 times, so now dinner takes three hours.
- The elderly patient had difficulty masticating due to tooth problems.
- Kids these days don't masticate properly - they just inhale their food like vacuum cleaners.
masticate
VERB[/ˈmæstɪkeɪt/]
to chew food thoroughly before swallowing

The grandfather tells his grandson to masticate each bite slowly before swallowing.

Masticate well, or you'll medicate as symptoms indicate!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'masticare,' derived from Greek 'mastax' meaning 'mouth' or 'jaws.' The word entered English through Late Latin and French influences.
Breakdown
mastic- (from Latin masticare, to chew) + -ate (verb suffix) = masticate (to chew thoroughly)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My dentist told me to masticate each bite 30 times, so now dinner takes three hours.”
“The elderly patient had difficulty masticating due to tooth problems.”
“Kids these days don't masticate properly - they just inhale their food like vacuum cleaners.”
“The nutrition expert emphasized the importance of masticating fibrous vegetables.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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