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Pica - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Pica is an eating disorder characterized by the persistent consumption of non-food items, such as dirt, paper, or chalk. It often occurs in children or individuals with nutritional deficiencies.

pica

/ˈpaɪkə/ /ˈpaɪkə/

Definition:

A craving for non-food items like dirt or chalk, often due to nutritional deficiency.

Synonyms:

craving, hunger, appetite, longing

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

aversion, distaste

Common Collocations:

pica disorder, pica cravings, pica behavior

Derivatives:

picalike, picain (rare)

Usage Tips:

Use "pica" to describe unusual cravings, especially in medical or psychological contexts.

Common Phrases:

pica syndrome, pica craving, have a case of pica

Etymology:

From Latin "pica" (magpie), referencing the bird's indiscriminate eating habits.

Examples:

  • 1. She has pica and often eats clay.
  • 2. Pica can be a sign of iron deficiency.
  • 3. Doctors monitor children for pica during checkups.
  • 4. His pica led him to chew paper compulsively.

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