in a general sense, the desire of enjoying some object, supposed to be conducive to our happiness. When this inclination is guided by reason, and proportioned to the intrinsic value of the object, it is called rational appetite; as, on the other hand, it is denominated sensitive appetite, when we have only a blind propensity to a thing, without determinate ideas of the good qualities for which we desire it.

in medicine, a certain painful or uneasy sensation, always accompanied with a desire to eat or drink.—An excessive appetite is called by physicians bulimia, or fames canina; a defect or loss of it, anorexia; and that after things improper for food, pica.