anorexia

noun

an·​orex·​ia ˌa-nə-ˈrek-sē-ə How to pronounce anorexia (audio)
-ˈrek-shə
1
: loss of appetite especially when prolonged
2

Examples of anorexia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Read the stories But two years ago, the hard things were starting to pile up again: Glennon was diagnosed with anorexia, Amanda was diagnosed with breast cancer and Abby’s brother died suddenly. Samantha Fink, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025 The new terms of service also ban content that depicts hate or self-harm, including anorexia and bulimia. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025 Research shows that although anorexia, an eating disorder characterized by the severe restriction of calories, becomes less common after age 26, bulimia, where patients binge and then purge food from their bodies, doesn’t reach its peak until age 47. Rebecca Lester, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025 Some impacts of chronic toxicity are anorexia, abdominal pain, dehydration, diarrhea and depression. Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anorexia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, from a- + orexis appetite, from oregein

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anorexia was in 1591

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Cite this Entry

“Anorexia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anorexia. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

anorexia

noun
an·​orex·​ia ˌan-ə-ˈrek-sē-ə How to pronounce anorexia (audio)

Medical Definition

anorexia

noun
1
: loss of appetite especially when prolonged
2

More from Merriam-Webster on anorexia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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