allergy

al-ler-gy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A damaging immune response by the body to a substance, especially certain foods, pollen, fur, or dust.

  2. 2.

    [informal]A strong dislike or aversion to something.

Forms

plural: allergies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    food allergy — An allergic reaction to certain foods.
  • •
    allergy testing — Medical tests to identify allergens.
  • •
    allergy season — The time of year when seasonal allergies are most prevalent.

Related words

Antonyms: immunity, resistance, tolerance
See also: allergen, allergic, allergies, sensitivity
Synonyms: hypersensitivity, intolerance, sensitivity

Etymology

Coined in 1906 by Austrian pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet, from Greek allos ("other, different") + ergon ("work, activity"), indicating an altered or abnormal reaction.