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

Some have brought up Karen Carpenter, who died from heart failure caused by complications of anorexia, as a reason for their worries. — Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 4 Aug. 2026

It’s been 43 years now since the platinum-selling singer Karen Carpenter died at the age of 32 of heart failure brought on by anorexia and bulimia. — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026

After a few months, the family realized the daughter was cutting herself and suffering from anorexia and depression. — Samuel Petrequin, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

After a few months, the family realized that the daughter was cutting herself and was suffering from anorexia and depression. — ABC News, 21 July 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