allergen

[al-er-juhn, -jen]

noun

Immunology.

1. any substance, often a protein, that induces an allergy: common allergens include pollen, grasses, dust, and some medications.

allergen

/ ˈæləˌdʒɛn /

noun

1. any substance capable of inducing an allergy

allergen

1. A substance, such as pollen, that causes an allergic reaction.

Other Word Forms

• allergenic adjective
• allergenicity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of allergen¹

First recorded in 1910–15; aller(gy) + -gen

Example Sentences

Researchers at North Carolina State University have identified a clear connection between the extent of cockroach infestations in homes and the amount of allergens and bacterial toxins known as endotoxins found indoors.

Read more on Science Daily

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

But if you want to go further, you can: jot down allergens, ingredients or even nutrition info—macros, Weight Watchers points, whatever matters to you.

Read more on Salon

Pea is not one of the 14 allergens required by law to be listed on food labels but earlier this week, experts said it – among others – should be.

Read more on BBC

Food packaging in the UK and EU already lists the most common allergens for people to be aware of, such as egg, peanuts and sesame.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• antigen 
• dander 
• irritant 
• pollen 
• ragweed