What does onychophagy refer to?

Onychophagy specifically refers to the habit of biting one's nails. This behavior can be both a physical manifestation of stress or anxiety, and a common nervous habit that can lead to various problems, such as damaged nails and surrounding skin, as well as potential infections. Understanding this term is important in a manicure and pedicure context because nail technicians may encounter clients who bite their nails and can offer appropriate care and advice to help them improve their nail health.

The other options relate to different aspects of nail care and beauty practices but do not define onychophagy. For instance, painting nails involves applying polish for aesthetics, fungal nails refer to infections caused by fungi, and nail art refers to creative designs applied to nails. Each of these concepts deals with different practices surrounding nail care but does not relate to the habit of nail biting, which is the focus of onychophagy.