from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Bulimia \Bu*lim"i*a\ (b[u^]*l[i^]m"[i^]*[.a]), Bulimy
\Bu"li*my\, n. [NL. bulimia, fr. Gr. boylimi`a, lit., ox-hunger;
boy^s ox + limo`s hunger: cf. F. boulimie.]
1. (Med.) A disease in which there is a perpetual and
insatiable appetite for food; a diseased and voracious
appetite.
[1913 Webster]
2. a disordered eating habit characterized by occasional
episodes of excessive eating, followed by self-induced
vomiting or abuse of laxatives, to avoid gaining weight;
it is often accompanied by feelings of guilt; -- called
also {bulimia nervosa} and {binge-purge syndrome}. It is
observed mainly in young women of normal weight.
[PJC]