LITHOPHAGIA Meaning and
Definition
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Lithophagia is a term derived from the Greek words "lithos" meaning stone and "phagein" meaning to eat or consume. It refers to the abnormal behavior or condition in which an individual compulsively or habitually consumes or ingests rocks, stones, or other mineral substances. This condition is often observed in animals, particularly those that lack sufficient nutrition or suffer from a mineral deficiency.
In zoology, lithophagia is commonly observed in herbivorous prey animals, such as cows, goats, or sheep, who may develop a craving for stones or pebbles due to dietary imbalances or deficiencies. These animals will actively seek out and consume these non-nutritive substances, which can lead to potential health hazards or complications. The act of lithophagia can result in damage to teeth, oral injuries, digestive obstructions, or nutrient deficiencies, among other complications.
Although primarily associated with animals, lithophagia has also been documented in rare cases of human individuals. The phenomenon is often linked to psychological or psychiatric disorders, particularly conditions such as pica, which involves the compulsive consumption of non-nutritive substances. In humans, lithophagia may pose serious health risks, including tooth or gastrointestinal damage, intestinal obstruction or perforation, or mineral imbalances.
In summary, lithophagia refers to the atypical behavior or condition in which an organism exhibits a strong inclination or compulsion to consume stones or other mineral substances.
Common Misspellings for LITHOPHAGIA
- kithophagia
- pithophagia
- oithophagia
- luthophagia
- ljthophagia
- lkthophagia
- lothophagia
- l9thophagia
- l8thophagia
- lirhophagia
- lifhophagia
- lighophagia
- liyhophagia
- li6hophagia
- li5hophagia
- litgophagia
- litbophagia
- litnophagia
- litjophagia
- lituophagia
Etymology of LITHOPHAGIA
The word "lithophagia" is derived from the Greek roots "lithos" meaning "stone" and "phagein" meaning "to eat". Therefore, the term "lithophagia" essentially means "stone eating" in Greek.
