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
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After struggling with anorexia for most of her life, in 2018, Jane was living in Colorado Springs and getting help for her mental health disabilities, including her eating disorder. Matt Vallière, Denver Post, 2 Oct. 2025 When Brazilian model Ana Caroline Reston died of anorexia in 2006, the designer became the first to stop working with models with a body mass index below 18. Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025 Its users can also experience anorexia, insomnia, seizures and hallucinations. Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2025 In the years that followed, they were hospitalized repeatedly for depression and anorexia, rotating through different medications and treatment plans. Charlotte Alter, Time, 20 Aug. 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 13 Oct. 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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