orexigenic

English

Etymology

Ancient Greek ὄρεξις (órexis, “appetite”) +‎ -genic

Adjective

orexigenic (comparative more orexigenic, superlative most orexigenic)

1. That stimulates the appetite.

   Antonym: anorexigenic

   • 2009, Hélène Volkoff, Saraj Unniappan, Scott P. Kelly, “The Endocrine Regulation of Food Intake”, in Nicholas J. Bernier, Glen Van Der Kraak, Anthony P. Farrell, Colin J. Brauner, editors, Fish Neuroendocrinology (Fish Physiology; 28), London, Amsterdam: Academic Press, →ISBN, section 2 (Endocrine Regulation), page 434:

     Ghrelin is a 28‐amino acid acylated peptide predominantly secreted by the stomach but also by the brain. In mammals, ghrelin stimulates both GH [growth hormone] secretion and appetite, and it is the only GI [gastrointestinal] hormone with confirmed orexigenic properties […].

Related terms

• anorexia

Noun

orexigenic (plural orexigenics)

1. Appetite stimulant

   Synonym: orexigen

   Antonym: anorexigenic