hunger

n. [ AS. hungor; akin to OFries. hunger, D. honger, OS. & OHG. hungar, G. hunger, Icel. hungr, Sw. & Dan. hunger, Goth. h&unr_;hrus hunger, huggrjan to hunger. ] 1. An uneasy sensation occasioned normally by the want of food; a craving or desire for food. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The sensation of hunger is usually referred to the stomach, but is probably dependent on excitation of the sensory nerves, both of the stomach and intestines, and perhaps also on indirect impressions from other organs, more or less exhausted from lack of nutriment. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Any strong eager desire. [ 1913 Webster ]

O sacred hunger of ambitious minds! Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

For hunger of my gold I die. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]