pica

()

noun

  1. a size of type, 12 point
  2. the height of this type, about inch: used as a typographical unit of measure
  3. a size of type for typewriters, measuring 10 characters to the linear inch

Origin: < ? ML(Ec), a directory, church manual (see pie): ? in reference to type used in printing it

noun

an abnormal craving to eat substances not fit for food, as clay or paint

Origin: ModL < L, magpie: see pie

See pica in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. A printer's unit of type size, equal to 12 points or about 1/6 of an inch.
    b. An equivalent unit of composition measurement used in determining the dimensions of lines, illustrations, or printed pages.
  2. A type size for typewriters, providing ten characters to the inch.

Origin:

Origin: Probably from Medieval Latin pīca, list of church services (perhaps from the typeface used to print it)

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noun
An abnormal craving or appetite for nonfood substances, such as dirt, paint, or clay.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin pīca

Origin: , from Latin, magpie (from its omnivorous nature)

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