allergy

American  

[al-er-jee] / ˈæl ər dʒi /

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.

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allergy British  

/ 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

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allergy Scientific  

/ ăl′ər-jē /

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

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allergy Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of allergy

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

Example Sentences

Garcia says his tactics are motivated by an allergy to bullies.

From Los Angeles Times

The effect is especially pronounced in children who have a family history of allergies or asthma.

From Science Daily

"It can be used to boost immunity, compensate for malfunctioning cells," target rare or genetic diseases -- and even treat allergies, she added.

From Barron's

After pitching their best ideas—an automated pothole-repair machine, a wearable air purifier for people with allergies—the students coalesced around a winner: a self-inflating-tire product.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then the gradual introduction of solid foods is essential to meet babies’ nutritional and developmental needs and to help reduce the risk of food allergies.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• hay fever