CHTHONOPHAGIA
\sˌiːˈe͡ɪt͡ʃθˌɒnəfˈe͡ɪd͡ʒə], \sˌiːˈeɪtʃθˌɒnəfˈeɪdʒə], \s_ˌiː__ˈeɪ_tʃ_θ_ˌɒ_n_ə_f_ˈeɪ_dʒ_ə]\
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A disorder of the nutritive functions observed amongst the negroes of the South and of the West Indies, in which there is an irresistible desire to eat dirt. It is accompanied by most of the signs of chlorosis. The Ottomacs on the Orinoco, and the natives of portions of the Hudson's Bay territory, are Chthonoph’agi or 'earth eaters.' The earth is a form of steatite.
By Robley Dunglison