allergen

noun

al·​ler·​gen ˈa-lər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance (such as pollen) that induces allergy
allergenic adjective
allergenicity noun

Examples of allergen in a Sentence

common allergens, such as pollen
Recent Examples on the Web How Often To Wash Sheets After that initial wash, get into the habit of washing your sheets weekly to get rid of allergens, dead skin, and bacteria. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2023 Immunotherapy is an effective treatment method for individuals suffering from allergic conjunctivitis that reduces the sensitivity to allergens. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 Chickens that are raised near cats can produce antibodies to cat allergens, which are passed onto their eggs. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 17 Nov. 2023 Use a vacuum with powerful suction and vacuum slowly to capture invisible allergens deep in the carpet pile. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Nov. 2023 There's also a sanitize cycle, which uses a hotter temperature to kill off bacteria and other household allergens. Barbara Bellesi Zito, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Nov. 2023 The report cites studies that identify respiratory hazards in the cannabis cultivation and production industry, such as microbial and plant allergens. CBS News, 17 Nov. 2023 The vacuum’s four-layer filtration system securely traps debris and cleans up to 99.99 percent of allergens and air pollutants, according to the brand. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 3 Nov. 2023 Ear Infection Sneezing helps get rid of dust, germs, mold, and other allergens and irritants from your nasal passages. Health Editorial Team, Health, 10 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'allergen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allergen,, blend of allerg- (in Allergie allergy) and -gen (in Antigen antigen)

Note: See note at allergy.

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allergen was circa 1907

Dictionary Entries Near allergen

Cite this Entry

“Allergen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergen. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

allergen

noun
al·​ler·​gen ˈal-ər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance (as pollen) that causes allergy
allergenic adjective

Medical Definition

allergen

noun
al·​ler·​gen ˈal-ər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance that induces allergy
inhaled allergens
a suspected food allergen

More from Merriam-Webster on allergen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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