masticate

Mas"ti*cate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Masticated; p. pr. & vb. n. Masticating.] Etym: [L. masticatus, p. p. of masticare to chew, prob. fr. mastiche mastic. See Mastic.] Defn: To grind or crush with, or as with, the teeth and prepare for swallowing and digestion; to chew; as, to masticate food.

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