What does masticatory mean?
Masticatory chiefly means relating to chewing, especially the muscles, bones, joints, and movements involved in the process. In medicine and anatomy, the term is particularly useful when describing the jaw's structure and function: strong masticatory muscles bring the teeth together and move the lower jaw, while problems involving these structures can make eating difficult or painful. The word can also be a noun for a substance meant to be chewed, such as chewing gum, although this use is much less common than the adjective. “Masticatory” is more technical and descriptive than the everyday word “chewing,” so it is especially likely to appear in discussions of dentistry, anatomy, veterinary care, and the mechanics of the jaw. Its unusual ending does not indicate that the word is archaic; it is a standard modern formation related to “masticate” and “mastication.”
Relating to or serving the function of chewing.
"The technician assessed the patient's masticatory function before fitting a dental guard."
Chiefly used in anatomical, dental, veterinary, and related technical contexts.
A substance, especially chewing gum, intended to be chewed.
"The dentist advised a sugar-free masticatory after the extraction."
This noun use is relatively uncommon outside specialized or product-related contexts.
The plural is used when referring to more than one substance intended for chewing.
"The shop stocks several masticatories for people who enjoy flavoured chewing gum."
Your jaw's most powerful everyday workout begins with the first bite.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does masticatory come from?
The word comes through Latin from the Greek root associated with “chewing” and “mastication.” Its English form was influenced by the Latin adjective masticatorius, meaning “of or for chewing.” English “masticate” and “mastication” belong to the same family, while “mastic,” the aromatic resin, is also ultimately connected with the same Greek word.
Related word forms
How masticatory is actually used
The adjective is especially common in anatomy, dentistry, and veterinary science. The noun is much less common and usually denotes chewing gum or another substance whose purpose is to be chewed.
Easily confused with masticatory
Mastic is an aromatic resin or the tree that produces it, whereas a masticatory is any substance intended for chewing.