Definition: pica

Search dictionary for

Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

pica
     n 1: a linear unit (1/6 inch) used in printing [syn: em, pica
          em]
     2: magpies [syn: Pica, genus Pica]
     3: eating earth or clay or chalk; occurs in some primitive
        tribes or sometimes in cases of nutritional deficiency
        [syn: geophagy, geophagia]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Pica \Pi"ca\, n. [L. pica a pie, magpie; in sense 3 prob. named
   from some resemblance to the colors of the magpie. Cf. Pie
   magpie.]
   1. (Zo["o]l.) The genus that includes the magpies.

   2. (Med.) A vitiated appetite that craves what is unfit for
      food, as chalk, ashes, coal, etc.; chthonophagia.

   3. (R. C. Ch.) A service-book. See Pie. [Obs.]

   4. (Print.) A size of type next larger than small pica, and
      smaller than English.

   Note: This line is printed in pica

   Note: Pica is twice the size of nonpareil, and is used as a
         standard of measurement in casting leads, cutting
         rules, etc., and also as a standard by which to
         designate several larger kinds of type, as double pica,
         two-line pica, four-line pica, and the like.

   Small pica (Print.), a size of type next larger than long
      primer, and smaller than pica.

   Note: This line is printed in small pica