hyperphagia

noun

hy·​per·​pha·​gia ˌhī-pər-ˈfā-j(ē-)ə How to pronounce hyperphagia (audio)
: abnormally increased appetite for consumption of food frequently associated with injury to the hypothalamus
hyperphagic adjective

Examples of hyperphagia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Certainly there is an odd magic at work at Belarussian Xata, where, as the meal progresses, the food grows increasingly rich — a kind of homage to hyperphagia, the fattening period before hibernation — yet the spirit stays light. Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2018

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperphagia was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near hyperphagia

Cite this Entry

“Hyperphagia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperphagia. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

hyperphagia

noun
hy·​per·​pha·​gia -ˈfā-j(ē-)ə How to pronounce hyperphagia (audio)
: abnormally increased appetite for food frequently associated with injury to the hypothalamus compare polyphagia
hyperphagic adjective

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