xerophagy

noun

xe·​roph·​a·​gy
zə̇ˈräfəjē
variants or less commonly xerophagia
ˌzirəˈfāj(ē)ə
plural xerophagies also xerophagias
: the strictest Christian fast which is observed chiefly in the Eastern churches during Lent or especially Holy Week and in which only bread, salt, water, and vegetables may be eaten and meat, fish, milk, cheese, butter, oil, wine, and all seasonings or spices are excluded

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin xerophagia, from Greek xērophagia eating of dry food, from xērophagein to eat dry food (from xēros dry + phagein to eat) + -ia -y

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near xerophagy

Cite this Entry

“Xerophagy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xerophagy. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!