Mastication
Pronunciation : Mas`ti*ca"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. masticatio: cf. F. mastication.]
Definition : Defn: 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913