allergy

[ al-er-jee ]
See synonyms for allergy on Thesaurus.com
noun,plural al·ler·gies.
  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. : Compare anaphylaxis.

  1. Informal. a strong dislike or aversion, as toward a person or activity: He has an allergy to hard work.

Origin of allergy

1
1910–15; <Greek áll(os) other + -ergy<Greek -ergia, equivalent to érg(on) activity + -ia-y3

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British Dictionary definitions for allergy

allergy

/ (ˈælədʒɪ) /


nounplural -gies
  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

Origin of allergy

1
C20: from German Allergie (indicating a changed reaction), from Greek allos other + ergon activity

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

Scientific definitions for allergy

allergy

[ ălər-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. See also anaphylactic shock.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for allergy

allergy

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.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.