Main Entry:

al·ler·gy

Pronunciation:

\ˈa-lər-jē\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural al·ler·gies

Etymology:

German Allergie, from all- + Greek ergon work — more at work

Date:

1910

1 : altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure <a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal> 2 : exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, 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 4 : a feeling of antipathy or aversion