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bulimia

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noun bu·lim·ia \ bü-ˈlē-mē-ə , byü- , -ˈli- \

Definition of bulimia

1 :an abnormal and constant craving for food
2 :a serious eating disorder that occurs chiefly in females, is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative or diuretic abuse, and is often accompanied by guilt and depression — called also bulimia nervosa
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bulimic

play \-ˈlē-mik, -ˈli-\ adjective or noun

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Recent Examples of bulimia from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bulimia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of bulimia

New Latin, from Greek boulimia great hunger, from bou-, augmentative prefix (from bous head of cattle) + limos hunger — more at cow

BULIMIA Defined for English Language Learners

bulimia

play
noun

Definition of bulimia for English Language Learners

  • : a serious physical and emotional illness in which people and especially young women eat large amounts of food and then cause themselves to vomit in order to not gain weight

Medical Dictionary

bulimia

play
noun bu·lim·ia \ byü-ˈlim-ē-ə , bü- , -ˈlē-mē- \
variants: also boulimia play \bü-\

medical Definition of bulimia

1 :an abnormal and constant craving for food — called also hyperorexia
2 :a serious eating disorder that occurs chiefly in females, is characterized by compulsive overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting or laxative or diuretic abuse, and is often accompanied by guilt and depression

Learn More about bulimia

  1. Britannica English: Translation of bulimia for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bulimia

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