a sensation of dryness in the throat associated with a craving for liquids, produced by deprivation of drink, or by some other cause (as fear, excitement, etc.) which arrests the secretion of the pharyngeal mucous membrane; hence, the condition producing this sensation.-fig.: a want and eager desire after anything; a craving or longing; -- usually with for, of, or after; as, the thirst for gold.-to feel thirst; to experience a painful or uneasy sensation of the throat or fauces, as for want of drink.-to have a vehement desire.-to have a thirst for.