Etymology
The word "masticate" comes from the Latin word "masticare," which means "to chew." It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*medh-," which also means "to chew."
Meaning
To masticate means to use one's teeth to break down food into smaller pieces in order to facilitate swallowing and digestion. It involves the mechanical process of crushing, grinding, and mixing food with saliva to create a semi-liquid form called a bolus. Mastication is an essential step in the digestive process as it increases the surface area of the food, allowing digestive enzymes to more easily break down the nutrients and absorb them into the body.
Origin
The word "masticate" has been used in English since the late 14th century. It is a relatively uncommon word, but it is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts to describe the process of chewing.
Etymology Derived from the Latin masticare meaning to chew Originally from the Gr
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