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

Acai bowls were recalled over possible plastic contamination, while sesame miso salad and hot honey mustard dressing were recalled over undeclared allergens.

From Los Angeles Times

In a new mouse study, they developed an experimental universal vaccine that shields against a broad range of respiratory viruses, bacteria, and even allergens.

From Science Daily

The way it steers the immune system towards fighting an infection also seemed to reduce the response to house dust mite allergens – which are a trigger of allergic asthma.

From BBC

I hold up my corn on the cob, which is fully cooked and free of allergens.

From Literature

But food crimes can pose dangers to human health, because of the presence of potential allergens or toxic chemicals.

From BBC

Related Words

• antigen
• dander
• irritant
• pollen
• ragweed