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pica
1[ pahy-kuh ]
noun
- a 12-point type of a size between small pica and English.
- the depth of this type size as a unit of linear measurement for type, pages containing type, etc.; one sixth of an inch.
- a 12-point type, widely used for typewriters, having 10 characters to the inch.
pica
2[ pahy-kuh ]
noun
- 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
- Also calledempica em a printer's unit of measurement, equal to 12 points or 0.166 ins
- (formerly) a size of printer's type equal to 12 point
- a typewriter type size having 10 characters to the inch
pica
2/ ˈpaɪkə /
noun
- pathol an abnormal craving to ingest substances such as clay, dirt, or hair, sometimes occurring during pregnancy, in persons with chlorosis, etc
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Word History and Origins
Origin of pica1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of pica1
Origin of pica2
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Example Sentences
So in Vincent—'pica loquax'—'pica garrula,' &c.; and in Pliny, lib.
Others will have a craving for some article not proper for food;—this is called Pica.
This large hermit-crab, found in Florida and in more southern waters, inhabits the beautiful pearly shell of Livona pica.
Pietro entreated and threatened, Pica wept and caressed, but all in vain.
There is a play here on the double meaning of pie, namely a bird (Latin pica), and an article of food.
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