What does geophagia mean?
Definitions for geophagia
geopha·gia
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word geophagia.
Princeton's WordNet
geophagy, geophagianoun
eating earth, clay, chalk; occurs in some primitive tribes, sometimes in cases of nutritional deficiency or obsessive behavior
Wiktionary
geophagianoun
Consumption of clay, chalk or dirt.
Wikipedia
Geophagia
Geophagia (), also known as geophagy (), is the intentional practice of eating earth or soil-like substances such as clay, chalk, or termite mounds. It is a behavioural adaptation that occurs in many non-human animals and has been documented in more than 100 primate species. Geophagy in non-human primates is primarily used for protection from parasites, to provide mineral supplements and to help metabolize toxic compounds from leaves. Geophagy also occurs in humans and is most commonly reported among children and pregnant women.Human geophagia is a form of pica – the craving and purposive consumption of non-food items – and is classified as an eating disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) if not socially or culturally appropriate. Sometimes geophagy is a consequence of carrying a hookworm infection. Although its etiology remains unknown, geophagy has many potential adaptive health benefits as well as negative consequences.
Matched Categories
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of geophagia in Chaldean Numerology is: 7
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of geophagia in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6
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"geophagia." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 2 May 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/geophagia>.
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