pica etymology

Etymology:

• Latin: "pica," meaning "magpie"
• Proto-Germanic: "*mag-" (magpie)

Meaning:

• A craving for non-food items, such as dirt, ice, paper, or clay
• A psychological condition that involves an excessive desire to consume substances that have no nutritional value

Origin:

The term "pica" was first used in 1685 by the English physician Thomas Willis to describe a condition characterized by an appetite for chalk and other earthy substances. He believed that the condition was related to the behavior of magpies, which are known for their habit of collecting and eating inedible objects.

Over time, the term "pica" has come to encompass a wider range of cravings for non-food items. It is now recognized as a symptom of several underlying conditions, including nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy, and mental health disorders.

pica relate terms

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• magpie

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