bulimia
UK: bjuːˈlɪm.i.ə | US: bʊˈliː.mi.ə
n. 1. A medical condition characterized by episodes of excessive eating (binge-eating) followed by purging (e.g., vomiting or laxative use).
n. 2. (Archaic) Extreme hunger or voracious appetite.
bulimia = bulim<hunger> + ia<medical condition>
- bulim: From Greek boulīmia (βουλιμία), combining bous (ox) + limos (hunger), literally "ox-hunger" (extreme appetite).
- ia: A suffix in medical terminology denoting a condition or state (e.g., anorexia, insomnia).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to ancient Greek, where boulīmia vividly described an insatiable hunger "like an ox." Over time, it evolved into Late Latin bulimia and entered English in the 14th century as a general term for extreme hunger. By the 20th century, it narrowed to its modern clinical meaning, describing the eating disorder marked by cycles of bingeing and purging.
She sought therapy to manage her bulimia.
The documentary highlighted the psychological toll of bulimia.
Bulimia nervosa is classified as a mental health disorder.
Ancient texts described bulimia as a symptom of certain illnesses.
Early diagnosis of bulimia improves treatment outcomes.