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 Their products are third-party tested for purity and potency, including nutritional content, pesticides and herbicides, heavy metals, allergens, microbes, and other potential contaminants. Casey Seiden, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024 Things To Consider While they aren’t certified by one of our preferred third-party organizations, Pure Encapsulation’s ingredients are tested for identity, potency, contaminants, metals, and allergens. Lainey Younkin, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 22 Mar. 2024 The first way is to reduce exposure to seasonal allergens. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2024 According to an allergen and ingredient guide on the Dunkin’ website, every doughnut on its limited-time and permanent menus includes at least eggs, milk, soy and wheat, meaning none are vegan or gluten-free. Emily Heil, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 The foods used in the study were peanut, cashew, egg, milk, walnut, hazelnut and wheat, which are some of the most common allergens, Wood said. Amanda Musa, CNN, 25 Feb. 2024 The top allergens in the regions are elm, juniper and poplar pollen, according to Pollen. The Enquirer, 22 Mar. 2024 Other than food, common allergen culprits that can lead to anaphylaxis are insect stings, latex, and medicines, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Alexis Berger, SELF, 22 Mar. 2024 The skin barrier protects you from allergens, bacteria, and environmental irritants, such as pollution and toxins. Lisa Desantis, Health, 22 Mar. 2024

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 18 Apr. 2024.

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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