Masticate comes from the Late Latin masticāre, meaning “to chew,” from the Greek mastikhan, “to grind the teeth.” The English word mastic derives from the same Greek word and refers to a type of tree and the resin from it that's used to make rubber and chewing gum.

What does masticate mean?

1 : to grind or crush (food) with or as if with the teeth : chew The cows were masticating their food. 2 : to soften or reduce to pulp by crushing or kneading. intransitive verb. : chew. Other Words from masticate Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About masticate.

What is the meaning of masticate in science?

Mastication (chewing), in which food is crushed and mixed with saliva to form a bolus for swallowing, is a complex mechanism involving opening and closing of the jaw, secretion of saliva, and mixing of food with the tongue.