pica

¹

[ pahy-kuh ]

noun

, Printing.

1. a 12-point type of a size between small pica and English.
2. the depth of this type size as a unit of linear measurement for type, pages containing type, etc.; one sixth of an inch.
3. a 12-point type, widely used for typewriters, having 10 characters to the inch.

pica

²

[ pahy-kuh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an abnormal appetite or craving for substances that are not fit to eat, as chalk or clay, common in malnutrition, pregnancy, etc.

pica

¹

/ ˈpaɪkə /

noun

1. pathol an abnormal craving to ingest substances such as clay, dirt, or hair, sometimes occurring during pregnancy, in persons with chlorosis, etc

pica

²

/ ˈpaɪkə /

noun

1. Also calledempica em a printer's unit of measurement, equal to 12 points or 0.166 ins
2. (formerly) a size of printer's type equal to 12 point
3. a typewriter type size having 10 characters to the inch

Word History and Origins

Origin of pica¹

1580–90; apparently < Medieval Latin pīca pie ⁴, on the model of brevier and canon ¹, other type sizes

Origin of pica²

1555–65; < New Latin, special use of Latin pīca jay, magpie, with reference to its omnivorous feeding

Word History and Origins

Origin of pica¹

C16: from medical Latin, from Latin: magpie, being an allusion to its omnivorous feeding habits

Origin of pica²

C15: from Anglo-Latin pīca list of ecclesiastical regulations, apparently from Latin pīca magpie, with reference to its habit of making collections of miscellaneous items; the connection between the original sense (ecclesiastical list) and the typography meanings is obscure

Example Sentences

Other conditions such as bulimia, binge eating disorder and pica were gradually added.

From Seattle Times

A girl shared that she would eat random objects — a condition called pica that often accompanies the disease.

From Washington Post

In another report, the inspector pointed to years of concerns about the care provided to patients who have pica, a disorder in which people feel compelled to swallow inedible objects such as coins and zippers.

From Salon

Though other Woodhaven residents struggled with pica, Pepper said, he doesn’t believe Yewdall inserted a large disinfectant wipe in her own windpipe.

From Seattle Times

The agreement requires the school system to implement a pica safety protocol that includes staff training and requires students with pica have individual supervision.

From Washington Post

Related Words

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