masticate

intransitive verb

To chew (food).

To grind and knead (rubber, for example) into a pulp.

To grind with the teeth, and prepare for swallowing and digestion; chew.

To prepare for use by cutting or kneading, as with a masticator.

transitive verb

To grind or crush with, or as with, the teeth and prepare for swallowing and digestion; to chew.