geophagy

Listen
(jē äf′ə jē)

noun

the eating of earth to make up for lack of food, as in famine areas

Origin: geo- + -phagy

See geophagy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
The eating of earthy substances, such as clay or chalk, practiced among various peoples as a custom or for dietary or subsistence reasons.

Related Forms:

  • ge·ophˈa·gism noun
  • ge·ophˈa·gist noun

Learn more about geophagy

geophagy medical definition

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD

Also Mentioned In

-phagy

Browse entries near geophagy

geometrize

geometry

geomorphic

geomorphology

geom

geophone

geophysics

geophyte

geopolitics

geoponics

About YourDictionary Advertisers Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Bookmark Site Help Suggestion Box Tools
© 1996-2013 LoveToKnow, Corp. All Rights Reserved. Audio pronunciation provided by LoveToKnow, Corp.
About YourDictionary Advertisers Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Help
© 1996-2013 LoveToKnow, Corp. All Rights Reserved. Audio pronunciation provided by LoveToKnow, Corp.