mastication

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mastication The process of chewing food, which involves movements of the jaws and teeth. Mastication breaks up the food into small particles, which provides a greater surface area for digestion and enables the formation of a bolus, which is small enough to pass through the oesophagus.

A Dictionary of Biology

mastication

views updated Jun 08 2018

mastication Chewing, grinding, and tearing foods with the teeth while it is mixed with saliva.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

mastication

views updated Jun 11 2018

mastication (mas-ti-kay-shŏn) n. the process of chewing food.

A Dictionary of Nursing

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Mastication

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