anorectic
|an-o-rec-tic|
/ˌænəˈrɛktɪk/
without appetite
Etymology
'anorectic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anorektikos', where 'an-' meant 'without' and 'orexis' meant 'appetite'.
'anorectic' developed via medical Latin/modern usage from Greek 'anorektikos' and the related noun 'anorexia'; English borrowed 'anorexia' in the 19th century and formed 'anorectic' as an adjective and noun.
Initially it conveyed the literal sense 'without appetite'; over time it came to denote the medical condition 'loss of appetite' (anorexia), and extended to describe people affected by the condition or substances that suppress appetite.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person suffering from anorexia nervosa; an anorexic person.
The clinic provides support for an anorectic receiving treatment.
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Noun 2
a substance that suppresses appetite; an appetite suppressant.
The physician considered prescribing an anorectic for short-term weight control.
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Adjective 1
relating to or suffering from anorexia; having a marked loss of appetite.
After several weeks of illness she appeared anorectic and weak.
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Adjective 2
causing loss of appetite; appetite-suppressing (often used of drugs or agents).
The medication produced anorectic effects in some patients.
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Last updated: 2025/08/19 00:07