pica

[US]/'paɪkə/
[UK]/'paɪkə/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. the abnormal craving for non-food substances; n. a size of type between English and small pica
Word Forms
Pluralpicas

Example Sentences

The leading candidate for Orion's base heat shield is a material called PICA (phenolic impregnated carbon ablator).

To find out the characters per pica of a type face at a particular type size copyfitting tables are available for this purpose.

Pica is a disorder characterized by a desire to eat non-food items.

The doctor diagnosed the patient with pica after discovering they had been consuming clay.

Children with pica may eat things like dirt, paper, or paint chips.

Pica can be dangerous if someone ingests toxic substances.

Treatment for pica may involve therapy and addressing any underlying nutritional deficiencies.

Pica is more common in children and individuals with developmental disabilities.

It is important to seek medical help if you suspect someone has pica.

The exact cause of pica is unknown, but it may be related to nutritional deficiencies or mental health conditions.

Pica can sometimes lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

Parents should supervise children with pica closely to prevent them from ingesting harmful substances.

Real-world Examples

Sometimes this also presents as the consumption of inedible substances like soil and chalk, a condition known as pica.

Source: Osmosis - Nerve

A pet that's stressed or bored may indulge in pica, or the ingestion of non-edible materials.

Source: Intermediate English short passage

Forget the chalk, this kid's got pica.

Source: Medical knowledge in film and television dramas.

OK. What is another word for the keyboard sign that represents a paragraph? Is it… a) pilcrow? b) bodkin? or c) pica?

Source: 6 Minute English

He's not talking. It could be pica. But doubtful for a man his age. Maybe an oedipal complex or idolization of the dolls as partners.

Source: Grey's Anatomy Season 2

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