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allergy

 - 5 dictionary results

al⋅ler⋅gy

[al-er-jee]
–noun, plural -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.
3. Informal. a strong dislike or aversion, as toward a person or activity: He has an allergy to hard work.

Origin:
1910–15; < Gk áll(os) other + -ergy < Gk -ergia, equiv. to érg(on) activity + -ia -y 3
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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al·ler·gy   (āl'ər-jē)   
n.   pl. al·ler·gies
  1. An abnormally high sensitivity to certain substances, such as pollens, foods, or microorganisms. Common indications of allergy may include sneezing, itching, and skin rashes.

  2. Informal An adverse sentiment; antipathy: an allergy to cocktail parties.


[German Allergie : Greek allos, other; see allo- + Greek ergon, action; see werg- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: al·ler·gy
Pronunciation: 'al-&r-jE
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -gies
1 : altered bodilyreactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure allergy may render a second sting fatal>
2 : exaggerated or pathologicalreaction (as by sneezing, respiratory embarrassment, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3 : medical practice concerned with allergies
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

allergy al·ler·gy (āl'ər-jē)
n.
An abnormally high acquired sensitivity to certain substances, such as drugs, pollens, or microorganisms, that may include such symptoms as sneezing, itching, and skin rashes.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Science Dictionary
allergy   (āl'ər-jē)  Pronunciation Key 
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 © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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