Meaning & use
dipsomania
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An uncontrollable, often periodic craving for alcohol.
See it in a sentence
The Victorian doctor diagnosed the patient's condition as dipsomania rather than simple drunkenness.
His family history included several relatives who struggled with dipsomania.
A note on using this word
Coined in the 19th century from Greek "dipsa" (thirst) and "mania" (madness); now a somewhat dated medical term largely replaced by "alcohol use disorder."
Words with a similar meaning
alcoholism
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