onychophagia

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

/ ˌɒn ɪ koʊˈfeɪ dʒə, -dʒi ə /

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

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Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between it’s and its in this crafty quiz!

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On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.

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

on·y·choph·a·gist

[on-uh-kof-uh-jist], /ˌɒn əˈkɒf ə dʒɪst/, noun