Geophagia (Noun)
Meaning
Eating earth, clay, chalk; occurs in some primitive tribes, sometimes in cases of nutritional deficiency or obsessive behavior.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- In some parts of the world, geophagia is practiced by certain tribes who believe the earth has healing properties.
- Pregnant women with nutritional deficiencies have been known to exhibit geophagia as a way to supplement their diet.
- Geophagia is an eating disorder where people consume non-food items such as clay, chalk, or dirt.
- A lack of essential minerals in the diet can lead to geophagia, especially in children and pregnant women.
- Researchers have identified geophagia as a symptom of an underlying psychological disorder in some cases.