Webster's English Dictionary

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masticate

mas.ti.cate \'mas-t*-.ka-t\ \.mas-t*-'ka--sh*n\ \'mas-t*-.ka-t-*r\ vb [LL 
   masticatus, pp. of masticare, fr. Gk mastichan to gnash t]he teeth; akin to 
   Gk masasthai to chew - more at MOUTH 1: to grind or crush (food) with or as 
   if with the teeth in preparation fo r swallowing : CHEW 2: to soften or 
   reduce to pulp by crushing or kneading  : CHEW  - mas.ti.ca.tion n