green sickness

See also: greensickness and green-sickness

English

Alternative forms

• greensickness
• green-sickness

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈɡɹiːn ˌsɪknəs/

Noun

green sickness (uncountable)

1. A disease characterised by a greenish tint to the skin; chlorosis. [from 16th c.]
   • 1982, TC Boyle, Water Music, Penguin, published 2006, page 35:

     She died of cirrhosis, brain fever, consumption and green sickness before she reached twenty.

2. The abnormal appetite associated with such a disease; pica. [from 16th c.]

Derived terms

• greensick
• green-sicknessed