masticate

verb (-cated; -cating) 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 • mastication noun • masticator noun