Meaning & Definition of word "Pica"
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Pica
/ˈpaɪ.kə/
noun:
- 1. A psychological disorder characterized by an appetite for substances that are largely non-nutritive, such as dirt, clay, or paper.
- Example: The child's pica led him to eat non-food items like chalk and paper.
- 2. A size of type in printing, equal to 12-point type, used especially in the setting of type for books.
- Example: The book was printed in pica, making it easy to read for the visually impaired.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'pica', meaning 'magpie', a bird known for eating almost anything.
Common Phrases and Expressions
pica disorder:
a medical condition involving the ingestion of non-food items.
pica font:
a type of printing style using pica measurements.
Related Words
bulimia:
An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging.
anorexia:
An eating disorder characterized by an obsessive fear of gaining weight.
Slang Meanings of pica
Meaning: In slang, 'pica' can refer to someone who has eccentric tastes or habits.
Example Sentence: That fashionista is such a pica, always wearing the wildest outfits.