Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - masticate

 verb  (-cated; -cating)  Etymology: Late Latin masticatus, past participle of masticare, from Greek mastichan to gnash the teeth; akin to Greek masasthai to chew — more at mandible  Date: 1562  transitive verb  1. to grind or crush (food) with or as if with the teeth ; chew  2. to soften or reduce to pulp by crushing or kneading  intransitive verb chew  • mastication noun  • masticator noun