orexis

[aw-rek-sis, oh-rek-]

noun

Psychology.

1. the affective and conative character of mental activity as contrasted with its cognitive aspect; the appetitive aspect of an act.

Other Word Forms

• orectic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of orexis¹

1610–20; < Latin: longing, appetite < Greek órexis desire, equivalent to orég(ein) to desire + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Dr. Bratman, author of "Health Food Junkies," derived "orthorexia" from the Greek word "ortho" which means "right" or "correct" and "orexis" meaning "appetite" or "hunger."

From Seattle Times