mastication Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun biting and grinding food in your mouth so it becomes soft enough to swallow
    manduction; chew; chewing.

WordNet

Mas`ti*ca"tion noun
Etymology
L. masticatio: cf. F. mastication.
Definitions
  1. The act or operation of masticating; chewing, as of food.
    Mastication is a necessary preparation of solid aliment, without which there can be no good digestion. Arbuthnot.

Webster 1913