tanorexia

noun

tan·​o·​rex·​ia ˌta-nə-ˈrek-sē-ə How to pronounce tanorexia (audio)
-ˈrek-shə
: a compulsive need or desire to have and maintain a very dark tan beyond what is typically considered normal
… tanning becomes a compulsion similar to behavior associated with eating disorders such as anorexia—giving rise to the non-clinical designation of tanorexia.—Morgan True, Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, Massachusetts), 3 Aug. 2012

Word History

Etymology

blend of tan entry 2 and anorexia

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tanorexia was in 1989

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Dictionary Entries Near tanorexia

Tanoan

tanorexia

tanorexic

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Tanorexia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tanorexia. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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