definitions

allergen

[ al-er-juh n, -jen ]
/ ˈæl ər dʒən, -ˌdʒɛn /
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR allergen ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Immunology.

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

Nearby words

allende meteorite, allende, salvador, allenstein, allentown, alleppey, allergen, allergenic, allergenic extract, allergic, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic purpura

Origin of allergen

First recorded in 1910–15; aller(gy) + -gen
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for allergen

allergen

/ (ˈæləˌdʒɛn) /

noun

any substance capable of inducing an allergy

Derived Forms

allergenic, adjectiveallergenicity, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for allergen

allergen

[ ăl′ər-jən ]

n.

A substance, such as pollen, that causes an allergy.
antigen

Related forms

al′ler•gen′ic (-jĕn′ĭk) adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for allergen

allergen

[ ăl′ər-jən ]

A substance, such as pollen, that causes an allergic reaction.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.