onychophagia

[on-i-koh-fey-juh, -jee-uh]

noun

Psychiatry.

1. the practice of biting one's nails, especially when done habitually and as a symptom of emotional disturbance.

Other Word Forms

• onychophagist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of onychophagia¹

1895–1900; < Greek onycho- (combining form of ónyx nail, claw; onyx ) + -phagia

Example Sentences

Neither will the impressive name doctors call it: onychophagia.

From Seattle Times

Chronic nail biting, or onychophagia, most commonly begins in childhood, peaks in adolescence and then tapers off.

From Washington Post