View synonyms for mastication

mastication

[ mas-ti-key-shuhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act or process of chewing:
Limited ability to open the mouth may make proper mastication of food more difficult.
the act or process of grinding, shredding, crushing, or kneading to a pulp: A machine with two horizontal rolls revolving in opposite directions is used for the mastication of rubber.
In the office he could hear the soft chatter of people on their phones, the steely mastication of a paper shredder, the thwack of a coffee mug being set down.
A machine with two horizontal rolls revolving in opposite directions is used for the mastication of rubber.
Forestry. the act or process of grinding up small trees and brush in a forest in order to thin it out or reduce the fuel available to forest fires:
The remains of mastication and chipping are left on the forest floor, forming a mulch to protect the soil from compaction and erosion.

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Other Words From

re·mas·ti·ca·tion noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of mastication¹

First recorded in 1400–50; from Late Latin masticātiōn-, stem of masticātiō “act of chewing,” equivalent to Latin masticāre + iō -ion ( def ); masticate ( def )

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Example Sentences

It is a stately dance, whose aim is to slow down the unseemly business of mastication.

From The Daily Beast

Thorough mastication takes time, and therefore one must not feel hurried at meals if the best results are to be secured.

From Project Gutenberg

Undoubtedly much of the distress known as dyspepsia is due to too hasty meals with consequent lack of proper mastication of food.

From Project Gutenberg

When prejudice is overcome by gnawing hunger, a fat rat makes good eating, as I know from actual and enjoyable mastication.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the strongest arguments ever yet brought against bread-making is, that it relieves us from the necessity of mastication.

From Project Gutenberg

But to this we reply, that such cakes as may be made (and such loaves even) require more mastication than the uncooked grains.

From Project Gutenberg

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masticate masticatory

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