allergen

American  

[al-er-juhn, -jen] / ˈæl ər dʒən, -ˌdʒɛn /

noun

Immunology.

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

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allergen British  

/ ˈæləˌdʒɛn /

noun

1. any substance capable of inducing an allergy

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allergen Scientific  

/ ăl′ər-jən /

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

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Other Word Forms

• allergenic adjective
• allergenicity noun

Etymology

Origin of allergen

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

Example Sentences

The researchers found that infants who suffer severe RSV infections in their first months of life are more likely to develop immune responses that overreact to common allergens, including house dust mites.

From Science Daily

Schal noted that future research will look at how cockroach allergens and endotoxins interact in animal models of asthma, such as mice.

From Science Daily

For decades, parents were advised to avoid feeding common allergens, such as peanuts, to infants.

From 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.

From Salon

Under current regulations, 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.

From BBC

Related Words

• antigen
• dander
• irritant
• pollen
• ragweed