anaphylaxis

noun

ana·​phy·​lax·​is ˌa-nə-fə-ˈlak-səs How to pronounce anaphylaxis (audio)
plural anaphylaxes ˌa-nə-fə-ˈlak-ˌsēz How to pronounce anaphylaxis (audio)
1
: hypersensitivity (as to foreign proteins or drugs) resulting from sensitization following prior contact with the causative agent
2

Examples of anaphylaxis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Severe adverse reactions will lead to a complication called anaphylaxis that can be fatal. Chris Smith, BGR, 1 Nov. 2022 In rare cases a gnat bite can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 19 July 2022 But Abby had gone through a terrifying episode of anaphylaxis while taking PEG-asparaginase. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 29 Dec. 2022 Finally, one important cluster of symptoms to be aware of is anaphylaxis, Dr. Tam says. Lauren Krouse, SELF, 1 June 2022 One reason for the heightened concern over nuts is that peanut allergy reactions tend to be dramatic, possibly resulting in anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Jacqueline Swartz, CNN, 8 Dec. 2022 Because of the risk of anaphylaxis that might require treatment by EpiPen, patients must remain under medical supervision for at least one hour after taking the treatment. Denise Roland, WSJ, 29 Nov. 2022 Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, and some other allergic reactions can be managed with medications, including antihistamines and corticosteroids. Sara Goudarzi, Scientific American, 23 May 2022 And nearly one in 50 Americans are at risk for anaphylaxis brought on by certain foods, insect bites, medications and latex, according to a 2013 study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Lee Rood, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anaphylaxis.' 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

New Latin, from ana- + prophylaxis

First Known Use

circa 1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anaphylaxis was circa 1905

Dictionary Entries Near anaphylaxis

Cite this Entry

“Anaphylaxis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anaphylaxis. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

anaphylaxis

noun
ana·​phy·​lax·​is ˌan-ə-fə-ˈlak-səs How to pronounce anaphylaxis (audio)
plural anaphylaxes -ˌsēz How to pronounce anaphylaxis (audio)
1
: hypersensitivity (as to foreign proteins or drugs) resulting from sensitization following prior contact with the causative agent
2

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