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
: anorexia nervosa

Examples of anorexia 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.
At 52, Janelle, a schoolteacher, has struggled with anorexia for the past four years. — Rebecca Lester, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025 Despite the seriousness of any mental health disorder, people with anorexia and their families have reason to be hopeful. — Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025 The study did show a reduction in bulimia, or binge-eating with purging, but didn’t contain any information specifically about binge-eating disorder, where people don’t purge, or anorexia, where people restrict calories. — Brenda Goodman, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025 Experts have found that many anorexia patients are high achievers who set nearly impossible standards for themselves. — Duaa Eldeib, ProPublica, 30 Dec. 2024 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

Phrases Containing anorexia

Rhymes for anorexia

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anorexia
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Cite this Entry

“Anorexia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anorexia. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

anorexia

noun
an·​orex·​ia ˌan-ə-ˈrek-sē-ə, -ˈrek-shə How to pronounce anorexia (audio)
1
: loss of appetite especially when prolonged
2
: anorexia nervosa

More from Merriam-Webster on anorexia

Nglish: Translation of anorexia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anorexia

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