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

Users of kratom have also experienced anorexia, weight loss, insomnia, hepatotoxicity, seizure and hallucinations Kratom consumption could lead to addiction, according to the DEA. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026

Bulimia nervosa, anorexia and binge eating disorder can each be a symptom of or worsened by anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions. —Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2026

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

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