Allergy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An allergy is an immune system reaction to a harmless substance, such as pollen or food, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, or rashes. It varies in severity among individuals.
Definition:
A hypersensitive immune response to a substance, causing symptoms like sneezing or rashes.
Synonyms:
hypersensitivity, sensitivity, intolerance
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
immunity, tolerance
Common Collocations:
food allergy, allergy symptoms, allergy medication, seasonal allergy, allergy test
Derivatives:
allergic, allergist
Usage Tips:
Use "allergy" to describe adverse immune reactions, not dislikes (e.g., "I have a peanut allergy," not "I have an allergy to homework").
Common Phrases:
allergic reaction, allergy season, deathly allergy
Etymology:
From Greek "allos" (other) + "ergon" (work), coined in 1906 by Clemens von Pirquet.
Examples:
- 1. She has a severe allergy to pollen.
- 2. His allergy causes itchy eyes and sneezing.
- 3. Avoid nuts if you have a peanut allergy.
- 4. The doctor prescribed medicine for her dust allergy.