allergy

[al-er-jee]

noun

plural

allergies 

1. an abnormal reaction of the body to a previously encountered allergen introduced by inhalation, ingestion, injection, or skin contact, often manifested by itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, skin rash, or diarrhea.

2. hypersensitivity to the reintroduction of an allergen.

3. Informal.,  a strong dislike or aversion, as toward a person or activity.

   He has an allergy to hard work.

allergy

/ ˈælədʒɪ /

noun

1. a hypersensitivity to a substance that causes the body to react to any contact with that substance. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen

2. informal,  aversion

   he has an allergy to studying

allergy

1. An abnormally high immunologic sensitivity to certain stimuli such as drugs, foods, environmental irritants, microorganisms, or physical conditions, such as temperature extremes. These stimuli act as antigens, provoking an immunological response involving the release of inflammatory substances, such as histamine, in the body. Allergies may be innate or acquired in genetically predisposed individuals. Common symptoms include sneezing, itching, and skin rashes, though in some individuals symptoms can be severe.

2. See also anaphylactic shock

allergy

1. A highly sensitive reaction of the body to certain substances, such as pollen, that are present in amounts that do not affect most people. Common indications of allergy include sneezing, skin rashes, itching, and runny nose.

Word History and Origins

Origin of allergy¹

1910–15; < Greek áll ( os ) other + -ergy < Greek -ergia, equivalent to érg ( on ) activity + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of allergy¹

C20: from German Allergie (indicating a changed reaction), from Greek allos other + ergon activity

Example Sentences

People living with mould are indeed more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses, infections, allergies and asthma.

Read more on BBC

The Department for Education said it was "working across government to consider how we might extend the availability of allergy pens in schools."

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You can even hear Ryder's allergies on his new single, Better Man, after a last minute decision to scrap the original vocal.

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Her youngest child is 22 months old and still nursing; he has acid reflux and an allergy to other forms of milk.

Read more on Salon

An estimated 40,000 children avoided peanut allergy diagnoses after the guidelines for when to first expose kids to the food allergen changed, according to new research.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hay fever