anorexia

noun

an·​orex·​ia ˌa-nə-ˈrek-sē-ə 

-ˈrek-shə

1

: loss of appetite especially when prolonged

2

: anorexia nervosa

Examples of anorexia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Neuvel became a critic of the Dutch mental-health system after witnessing the experiences of his teenage daughter, Nora, who suffered from severe anorexia. —Charles Lane, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2026

In November, the 35-year-old forward went public on Instagram, detailing that she had been diagnosed with anorexia. —Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026

There’s also been studies, many of which are smaller and more preliminary, showing the benefits of floating for conditions such as insomnia, body image dissatisfaction among people with anorexia, meth dependence and pain intensity, such as the stress placed on the body after a high-impact workout. —Shelby Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026

Kaelan Lachica suffered from anorexia for nearly a decade but his condition had improved in the year proceeding his hospitalization in August 2025, his father said. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French anorexie, borrowed from Late Latin anorexia "lack of appetite," borrowed from Greek anorexía, from anórektos "without appetite" + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at anorectic entry 1

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing anorexia

• anorexia nervosa

Rhymes for anorexia

• alexia
• cachexia
• dyslexia
• hyperpyrexia

Kids Definition

anorexia

noun

an·​orex·​ia ˌan-ə-ˈrek-sē-ə 

: anorexia nervosa

Medical Definition

anorexia

noun

an·​orex·​ia ˌan-ə-ˈrek-sē-ə, -ˈrek-shə 

1

: loss of appetite especially when prolonged

2

: anorexia nervosa