Appetite

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The desire for some personal gratification, either of the body or of the mind. The object of appetite it whatsoever sensible good may be wished for; the object of will is that good which reason does lead us to seek. Hooker.

2. Desire for, or relish of, food or drink; hunger. Men must have appetite before they will eat. Buckle.

3. Any strong desire; an eagerness or longing. It God had given to eagles an appetite to swim. Jer. Taylor. To gratify the vulgar appetite for the marvelous. Macaulay.

4. Tendency; appetency. [Obs.] In all bodies there as an appetite of union. Bacon.

5. The thing desired. [Obs.] Power being the natural appetite of princes. Swift.

Synonyms: Craving; longing; desire; appetency; passion.