a specific appetite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a specific appetite' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person's desire to eat a particular type of food. For example, "The teenager had a specific appetite for junk food."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Since carotenoids have physiological functions necessary for maintaining health, individuals should be selected to actively seek and develop a specific appetite for these compounds.

Plosone

However, it is difficult to demonstrate that hens need energy mostly in the morning and protein in the afternoon according to their specific requirements connected with the egg production cycle, whereas several studies have shown that hens express a specific appetite for calcium in the afternoon for eggshell formation (Mongin and Sauveur, 1974; Chah and Moran, 1985).

Animal

In fact, an egg-producing hen shows a specific appetite for Ca2+ a few hours before shell calcification is initiated and its capacity to absorb Ca2+ in the intestine increases by 6-fold due to large stimulation of the active metabolite of vitamin D at the kidney level.

BMC Physiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This strongly suggests a true specific appetite for carotenoids.

Plosone

A related phenomenon, specific appetite, also known as specific hunger, is conceptually related to, but distinct from, hedonic hunger.

Wikipedia

Specific appetite is a drive to eat foods with specific flavors or other characteristics: in usage, specific appetite has put greater emphasis on an individual who adaptationally learns a particular appetite behavior rather than an evolutionarily innate, hedonic appetite preference.

Wikipedia

Specific appetite for salt in a sodium deficient subject, on the other hand, appears to rest on a genetically determined increase in reaction to the taste of sodium chloride and does not require any learning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Specific appetite for carotenoids is here demonstrated for the first time, placing these compounds on a par with essential nutrients as sodium or calcium.

Plosone

Since carotenoids cannot be synthesised by animals and must be acquired from food, specific appetite for carotenoids should be selectively favored.

Plosone

An specific appetite has been shown, in many different animal species, for sodium [2], calcium [1] and even amino acids [3].

Plosone

Demonstration of specific appetite for carotenoids is highly relevant to theories of visual signaling because it implies that feeding individuals can preferentially detect and choose carotenoid rich food.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing dietary habits or nutritional needs, use "a specific appetite" to highlight an individual's targeted craving for particular nutrients or food types.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific appetite" when referring to general hunger or a large appetite. The phrase implies a desire for particular foods or nutrients, not just an increased quantity of food.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific appetite" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a particularized desire for certain foods or nutrients, highlighting a selective aspect of hunger. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

Wiki

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a specific appetite" is used to denote a desire for particular foods or nutrients rather than general hunger. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although it's relatively rare in usage. Predominantly found in scientific and general contexts, it is valuable for describing targeted cravings driven by physiological needs or learned behaviors. When using this phrase, ensure you are referring to particular food preferences and not just a general increase in hunger. When other phrases can work as a valid replacement you can consider using phrases like "a particular craving", "a distinct taste", or "a marked preference".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular craving

Replaces "appetite" with "craving", emphasizing a strong desire for something specific, not necessarily food.

a definite liking

Substitutes "appetite" with "liking", indicating a preference for something specific.

a marked preference

Emphasizes a clear inclination towards something, replacing "appetite" with "preference".

a distinct taste

Replaces "appetite" with "taste", highlighting a specific liking or inclination for certain things.

a special fondness

Indicates a cherished liking or affection, swapping "appetite" for "fondness".

a certain inclination

Uses "inclination" instead of "appetite", suggesting a natural tendency or urge towards something.

a strong desire

Replaces "appetite" with "desire", focusing on a powerful feeling of wanting something specific.

a unique penchant

Highlights an unusual liking or habit, using "penchant" instead of "appetite".

a focused hunger

Modifies "hunger" to emphasize a concentrated need or desire, in line with "specific appetite".

a selective craving

Highlights the discriminatory nature of the desire, focusing on choosing specific items.

FAQs

What does "a specific appetite" mean?

The phrase "a specific appetite" refers to a desire or craving for a particular type of food, nutrient, or flavor, rather than a general feeling of hunger.

How can I use "a specific appetite" in a sentence?

You can use "a specific appetite" to describe someone's targeted craving. For example: "During her pregnancy, she developed "a specific appetite" for pickles and ice cream."

What's the difference between ""a specific appetite"" and "a general appetite"?

"A specific appetite" implies a craving for particular items, while "a general appetite" refers to a broad desire for food without any particular preferences.

What are some alternative phrases to ""a specific appetite""?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a particular craving", "a distinct taste", or "a marked preference" to convey a similar meaning.