hay fever

noun

, Pathology.

1. a type of allergic rhinitis affecting the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, affecting susceptible persons usually during the summer, caused by pollen of ragweed and certain other plants.

hay fever

noun

1. an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, etc, characterized by sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose Technical namesallergic rhinitispollinosis

hay fever

/ hā /

1. An seasonal allergic condition characterized by a sensitivity to airborne pollen, resulting in nasal discharge, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. It occurs especially during late spring, late summer, and early fall and can be caused by the pollens of various plants, especially ragweed and certain trees and grasses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hay fever¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The star couple’s onstage chemistry was palpable in “Hay Fever” and “Much Ado About Nothing,” which were big sellers at the box office.

From Los Angeles Times

The same note explains how other skin conditions and respiratory problems, including asthma, bronchitis and hay fever, could count against candidates.

From BBC

In one of the five studies that was part of the Journal of Consumer Psychology paper, the researchers asked 386 undergraduate students to imagine buying either antidiarrheal or hay fever medication.

From Science Daily

When participants were told they were buying hay fever medication, which doesn't cause most people to feel embarrassed, 91% said they would use the store that had human service agents.

From Science Daily

Those affected often have other allergic conditions such as hay fever, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis and dermatitis.

From Salon