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.

Appetites are passions directed to general objects, in contradistinction to passions directed to particular objects, which retain their proper name. Thus we say, an appetite for fame, for glory, for conquest, for riches; but we say the passion of love, of gratitude, of envy, &c. Appetite may be also distinguished from passion, since the latter has no existence till a proper object be presented; whereas the former exists first, and then is directed to an object.

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