Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

xerophagy

noun
xe·​roph·​a·​gy | \ zə̇ˈräfəjē\
variants: or less commonly xerophagia \ ˌzirəˈfāj(ē)ə \
plural xerophagies also xerophagias

Definition of xerophagy

: the strictest Christian fast which is observed chiefly in the Eastern churches during Lent or especially Holy Week and in which only bread, salt, water, and vegetables may be eaten and meat, fish, milk, cheese, butter, oil, wine, and all seasonings or spices are excluded

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for xerophagy

Late Latin xerophagia, from Greek xērophagia eating of dry food, from xērophagein to eat dry food (from xēros dry + phagein to eat) + -ia -y

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about xerophagy

Share xerophagy

Statistics for xerophagy

Look-up Popularity

Comments on xerophagy

What made you want to look up xerophagy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

parabolic

Listen to the pronounciation of parabolic

of or relating to a parable or parabola

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A Green Quiz

  • shamrock
  • What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games