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

As it happens, I have a life-threatening allergy to peanuts, and the yellow M&M character is the peanut one.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet the major Hollywood studios have developed a severe allergy to Bible stories, which were once one of their leading wells of inspiration and a highly lucrative one at that.

From The Wall Street Journal

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have confirmed the first known death caused by the condition commonly referred to as the meat allergy, which is transmitted by ticks.

From Science Daily

"The genetic burden associated with many autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, and allergies are overwhelmingly linked to T cells," Marson says.

From Science Daily

It said its menus meet NHS nutritional standards and that any dietary requirements including allergies are recorded.

From BBC

Related Words

• hay fever