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.
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.