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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

See Examples For:

anorexia nervosa

Two years after Mary-Kate Olsen checked herself into rehab for anorexia nervosa, eating disorders turned a hypercritical eye toward every young starlet.

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026

Clinical studies involving stroke, anorexia nervosa, and body integrity dysphoria suggest that problems with thermal perception can occur alongside disruptions in body ownership.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 4, 2026

Milly Goldsmith, 27, a lifestyle influencer from London, struggled with anorexia nervosa and body dysmorphia from the age of 13 to 18.

From BBC ● Jan. 17, 2025

In seventh grade, Olivia was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and referred to an eating disorder treatment program.

From Slate ● Jan. 4, 2025

Thus, for example, there exists in adult life a disturbance of the nervous system which is called "anorexia nervosa."

From The Nervous Child by Cameron, Hector Charles