Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pica

Noun
/ˈpaɪ.kə/
Definition
Pica is a psychological disorder characterized by an appetite for non-nutritive substances.
Examples
  • Some children may exhibit pica by eating chalk or dirt.
  • Pica can occur in individuals with developmental disorders.
Meaning
This term refers to the compulsive eating of items that are not typically considered food, such as dirt, clay, paper, or paint.
Synonyms
  • None (Pica is a specific term)