Arsenicophagy

/ˌɑrsənɪˈkɒfədʒi/ noun

Definition

The practice or habit of ingesting or consuming arsenic, either intentionally or habitually.

Etymology

From arsenic + Greek 'phagein' meaning 'to eat' + -y (forming nouns). This medical term describes a rare condition or historical practice.

Kelly Says

Arsenicophagy has actually occurred in history—some people claimed to gradually build tolerance by consuming tiny amounts of arsenic, a dangerous folk-medicine practice that killed far more people than it saved.

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