geophagy

(jē äfə 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

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