The Spanish verb 'masticar' (to chew) traces its origins back to Ancient Greek through Late Latin. It began with the Greek word 'μάσταξ' (mastax), which referred to the mouth or chewing apparatus. This developed into the Greek verb 'μαστάζω' (mastazo), meaning 'to chew' or 'to eat'. The word then made its way into Late Latin as 'masticāre', keeping its meaning of 'to chew'. Finally, it evolved into the modern Spanish 'masticar', maintaining the same meaning throughout its journey from Greek to Spanish.

A common related Spanish word is 'mascar', which is a simpler and more colloquial way to say 'to chew'. Both 'masticar' and 'mascar' share the same etymological root, with 'mascar' being a shortened form that developed through common usage.

English speakers might recognize the connection to words like 'masticate' and 'mastication', which are more formal or scientific terms for chewing and the process of chewing. These words came into English through the same Greek-Latin pathway as the Spanish 'masticar'. You might also encounter this root in the word 'masticatory', relating to chewing or the organs used for chewing.