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tanorexia

noun
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tan·​o·​rex·​ia | \ ˌta-nə-ˈrek-sē-ə How to pronounce tanorexia (audio) , -ˈrek-shə \

Definition of tanorexia

: a compulsive need or desire to have and maintain a very dark tan beyond what is typically considered normal … tanning becomes a compulsion similar to behavior associated with eating disorders such as anorexia—giving rise to the non-clinical designation of tanorexia. — Morgan True, Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, Massachusetts), 3 Aug. 2012

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First Known Use of tanorexia

1989, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tanorexia

blend of tan entry 2 and anorexia

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The first known use of tanorexia was in 1989

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Cite this Entry

“Tanorexia.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tanorexia. Accessed 12 December 2019.

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