geophagy

noun

ge·​oph·​a·​gy jē-ˈä-fə-jē How to pronounce geophagy (audio)
: the practice of eating earthy substances (such as clay) that in humans is performed especially to augment a scanty or mineral-deficient diet or as part of a cultural tradition compare pica entry 1

Examples of geophagy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In fact, geophagy, or intentionally consuming dirt, has been documented in multiple historical and present-day cultures, many of which ingest specific soils medicinally to prevent diarrhea or increase iron intake. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2018 But a geophagy contract was made and must be enforced: one teaspoonful of dirt goes into your lying stomach by way of mouth. John Hodgman, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2017

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of geophagy was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near geophagy

Cite this Entry

“Geophagy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geophagy. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

geophagy

noun
ge·​oph·​a·​gy -ə-jē- How to pronounce geophagy (audio)
plural geophagies
: the practice of eating earthy substances (as clay) that in humans is performed especially to augment a scanty or mineral-deficient diet or as part of a cultural tradition

called also earth eating

compare pica
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