verb
- chews food thoroughly with the teeth
Usage: formal or technical
Examples
- The cow masticates grass for several minutes before swallowing.
- Proper digestion begins when one masticates food slowly and thoroughly.
- The dentist explained how the patient masticates on only one side due to tooth pain.
- She masticates each bite carefully to aid her digestion.
- The elderly man masticates his food more slowly than he used to.
- Good oral health allows one to masticate effectively.