anorexia nervosa

American  

[an-uh-rek-see-uh nur-voh-suh] / ˌæn əˈrɛk si ə nɜrˈvoʊ sə /

noun

Psychiatry.

1. an eating disorder primarily affecting adolescent girls and young women, characterized by pathological fear of becoming fat, distorted body image, excessive dieting, and emaciation.

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anorexia nervosa Scientific  

/ nûr-vō′sə /

1. An eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image, fear of becoming obese, persistent aversion to food, and severe weight loss and malnutrition. It most commonly affects teenage girls and young women, who often develop amenorrhea, osteoporosis and other abnormalities.

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anorexia nervosa Cultural  

1. A psychosomatic disorder in which the sufferer refuses to eat and undertakes activities (such as self-induced vomiting) to bring about extreme weight loss. Anorexia, which is also characterized by a distorted self-image, occurs most often in young women aged twelve to twenty-one and may result in death if medical treatment is not obtained. Treatment for anorexia often includes extensive counseling to reveal underlying emotional problems.

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Etymology

Origin of anorexia nervosa

First recorded in 1870–75; from New Latin: “nervous anorexia”

Compare meaning

How does anorexia-nervosa compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• anorexia vs. anorexia nervosa

Example Sentences

Anorexia nervosa, also known as anorexia, is an eating disorder and serious mental health condition that can cause individuals to limit how much they eat or drink.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2025

Anorexia nervosa is broadly defined by restrictive eating, often driven by a preoccupation with one’s weight or body shape.

From Slate • Jan. 4, 2025

Anorexia nervosa also has a significant affect on bone density – affecting a majority of people with the condition.

From Salon • May 1, 2024

Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, Marcille said.

From Washington Times • May 31, 2019

"Anorexia nervosa was so new that I didn't even know how to pronounce it until 1980," band member John Bettis said.

From The Guardian • Oct. 23, 2010