noun
- plural of geophagy; the practice of eating earth, soil, or clay, often due to nutritional deficiency, cultural tradition, or medical condition
Usage: medical/anthropological term; also called pica when related to compulsive eating of non-food substances
Examples
- Geophagies have been documented in various cultures throughout history.
- The anthropologist studied geophagies as a cultural practice in West African communities.
- Some cases of geophagies are linked to iron deficiency anemia.
- Medical researchers investigate the causes and health impacts of geophagies.
- Geophagies may occur during pregnancy in some populations.
- The practice of geophagies is sometimes associated with specific mineral cravings.