allergy Definition
- 1a damaging immune response by the body to a substance, especially pollen, fur, a particular food, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive
- 2a condition of being hypersensitive to a particular substance, causing an immune response
Using allergy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "allergy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I have an allergy to peanuts.
Example
She developed an allergy to cats.
Example
His allergy to pollen makes him sneeze and have watery eyes.
Example
The restaurant has a list of ingredients for customers with allergies.
allergy Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for allergy
Phrases with allergy
Example
He had an allergic reaction to the medication and had to be taken to the hospital.
Example
She has a severe food allergy to shellfish.
an allergy that occurs during certain times of the year, usually in response to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
Example
He suffers from seasonal allergies every spring.
Origins of allergy
from Greek 'allos' meaning 'other' and 'ergon' meaning 'reaction'
Summary: allergy in Brief
An 'allergy' [ˈælərdʒi] is a damaging immune response by the body to a substance, such as pollen, fur, a particular food, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive. It can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, and swelling. Phrases like 'food allergy' and 'seasonal allergy' denote specific types of allergies. The term 'allergic reaction' refers to an exaggerated immune response to a substance that is normally harmless.