1. the practice of eating earth, soil, clay, or other non-food mineral substances
Usage: medical/anthropological term; also called pica when referring to the compulsive eating disorder

Examples

• Geophagia has been documented in various cultures throughout history.
• The nutritionist investigated whether the patient's geophagia indicated a mineral deficiency.
• Some pregnant women experience cravings associated with geophagia.
• Anthropologists have studied geophagia as a cultural practice in certain African communities.
• Geophagia can pose serious health risks, including parasitic infections and intestinal blockages.