bulimic
UK[bjuːˈlɪmɪk]US[bʊˈlɪmɪk]
adj
Relating to or suffering from bulimia, an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging.
n
A person who suffers from bulimia.
Morpheme Breakdown
bulim
ic
bulim
hunger
ic
adjective suffix
Etymology
The term originates from the Greek boulimia, a compound of bous (ox) and limos (hunger), literally conveying an "ox's hunger" or a ravenous, insatiable appetite. This vivid metaphor for extreme hunger was adopted into medical Latin and later into English to describe a pathological condition. In modern medical terminology, 'bulimic' specifically refers to the psychological and behavioral patterns associated with bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder. The suffix '-ic' transforms the base noun into an adjective, indicating a characteristic relation to this state of compulsive overeating and purging.
Analysis
Structure: bulim (hunger) + ic (adjective suffix)
- bulim: From Greek boulimia, meaning 'ravenous hunger', itself from bous (ox) + limos (hunger).
- ic: A suffix of Greek origin via Latin, used to form adjectives meaning 'of, pertaining to, or characterized by'.
Examples
She sought therapy for her bulimic tendencies.
The documentary highlighted the challenges faced by a recovering bulimic.
His bulimic behavior was a symptom of deeper psychological distress.