How Do You Spell MASTICATE?

Pronunciation: [mˈastɪkˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

The word "masticate" is spelled with a "c" rather than a "k" despite the "k" sound being predominant in the pronunciation. This can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription, where "masticate" is transcribed as /ˈmæstɪkeɪt/. The "t" in "tate" requires a soft "c" sound to follow, which is spelled with a "c" rather than a "k". Therefore, the spelling of "masticate" adheres to the rules of English phonetics, rather than being strictly based on its pronunciation.

MASTICATE Meaning and Definition

1. Masticate, in its verb form, refers to the act of chewing food thoroughly with the teeth and grinding it in preparation for swallowing and digestion. This action involves the rhythmic movement of the jaws to break down the food into smaller, more manageable pieces. Mastication is an essential process in the overall digestive process, as it aids in the initial breakdown of food and facilitates the release of nutrients.

   The term "masticate" can also be used metaphorically to describe the intense or prolonged examination or pondering of an idea or concept. In this context, it implies a deliberate and meticulous evaluation or reflection, akin to the thorough chewing of food. It suggests a level of thoughtfulness and careful consideration before reaching any conclusions or making decisions.

   The word "masticate" is derived from the Latin word "masticare," which means "to chew." It emphasizes the primary purpose of chewing, which is to physically render food into digestible particles and facilitate the process of digestion. Mastication not only breaks down food into smaller pieces, but it also mixes it with saliva, allowing for the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates through enzymes in the saliva.

   In conclusion, "masticate" primarily refers to the action of chewing food thoroughly before swallowing. It implicates both the mechanical breakdown and the chemical digestion of food in preparation for the body's absorption of nutrients. Moreover, it can also be used metaphorically to describe the deliberate and careful consideration or examination of ideas.

2. To chew, to grind and comminute with the teeth.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. To chew, as food; to grind food with the teeth, thus preparing it for swallowing and digestion.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MASTICATE

• mastebate
• hesticate
• mastubate
• masticatee
• mastikate
• mastodale
• mannicate
• Mastikater
• Masticader
• masticatry
• masticoty
• masticote
• Mastisine
• gastimate
• Mystitiate
• mastacote
• Pisticate
• Disticate
• Mysticyte
• Mancicate
• musticate
• mastocytt
• mistimate
• mystimate

Etymology of MASTICATE

The word "masticate" is derived from the Latin word "masticare", which means "to chew" or "to masticate". This Latin word, in turn, is derived from the Greek word "māstikhan", which also means "to chew". The Greek word "māstikhan" was formed from the noun "māstix", meaning "a chewed substance". The root of "māstix" is "massein", which means "to knead" or "to chew". Thus, the etymology of "masticate" traces back to the Greek and Latin words associated with chewing.

Similar spelling words for MASTICATE

• mastectomy,
• mast cell,
• masticophis,
• mastocyte,
• mastication,
• mastic.

Conjugate verb Masticate

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have masticated

you would have masticated

he/she/it would have masticated

we would have masticated

they would have masticated

I would have masticate

you would have masticate

he/she/it would have masticate

we would have masticate

they would have masticate

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been masticating

you would have been masticating

he/she/it would have been masticating

we would have been masticating

they would have been masticating

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would masticate

you would masticate

he/she/it would masticate

we would masticate

they would masticate

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be masticating

you would be masticating

he/she/it would be masticating

we would be masticating

they would be masticating

FUTURE

I will masticate

you will masticate

he/she/it will masticate

we will masticate

they will masticate

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be masticating

you will be masticating

he/she/it will be masticating

we will be masticating

they will be masticating

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have masticated

you will have masticated

he/she/it will have masticated

we will have masticated

they will have masticated

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been masticating

you will have been masticating

he/she/it will have been masticating

we will have been masticating

they will have been masticating

IMPERATIVE

you masticate

we let´s masticate

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to masticate

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was masticating

you were masticating

he/she/it was masticating

we were masticating

they were masticating

PAST PARTICIPLE

masticated

PAST PERFECT

I had masticated

you had masticated

he/she/it had masticated

we had masticated

they had masticated

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been masticating

you had been masticating

he/she/it had been masticating

we had been masticating

they had been masticating

PRESENT

I masticate

you masticate

he/she/it masticates

we masticate

they masticate

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am masticating

you are masticating

he/she/it is masticating

we are masticating

they are masticating

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

masticating

PRESENT PERFECT

I have masticated

you have masticated

he/she/it has masticated

we have masticated

they have masticated

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been masticating

you have been masticating

he/she/it has been masticating

we have been masticating

they have been masticating

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it masticate

SIMPLE PAST

I masticated

you masticated

he/she/it masticated

we masticated

they masticated