Definition of allergy
allergies
1 : altered bodily reactivity (such 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
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Examples of allergy in a Sentence
Many people have some form of allergy.
independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government
Recent Examples of allergy from the Web
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In addition to causing respiratory problems and allergies, fungi can cause infections and hasten the deterioration of materials.
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Tours can be modified for those with allergies and who have vegan or vegetarian dietary needs.
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A meta-analysis of 36 studies from the United States and Europe found that tree nut allergies may affect between .05% and 4.9% of the population.
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Srinivasan, an allergy doctor who serves as the ranking member on the legislature's public health committee, raised $126,000 in the first quarter - far beyond many other candidates.
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Authorities eventually recovered heroin, suspected fentanyl and allergy medicine during a raid, records show.
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Many mats are made of latex or rubber, which works well but irritates those with allergies to such products.
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It could be related to allergies or structural abnormalities such as nasal polyps or enlarged adenoids, which are lymphoid tissues behind the nose.
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What’s hot: The website is not just about where to go; it is stocked with important articles about allergies, vaccinations, bedbugs and illness.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'allergy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of allergy
German Allergie, from all- + Greek ergon work — more at work
ALLERGY Defined for English Language Learners
allergy
playDefinition of allergy for English Language Learners
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: a medical condition that causes someone to become sick after eating, touching, or breathing something that is harmless to most people
ALLERGY Defined for Kids
allergy
playDefinition of allergy for Students
allergies
: a condition in which a person is made sick by something that is harmless to most people
Medical Dictionary
allergy
playMedical Definition of allergy
allergies
1: altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure his bee-venom allergy may render a second sting fatal
2: exaggerated or pathological reaction (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
Learn More about allergy
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for allergy Spanish Central: Translation of allergy Nglish: Translation of allergy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of allergy for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about allergy
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