Allergenic – Definition & Meaning

Allergenic is a term that is commonly used in the field of medicine and biology. It refers to substances that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. These substances are known as allergens and can be found in various forms such as food, pollen, dust, and animal dander. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of allergenic, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in different contexts.

Definitions

Allergenic can be defined as a substance that causes an allergic reaction in some people. It is also used to refer to the properties of a substance that make it capable of causing an allergic reaction.

Origin

The word allergenic originates from the Greek word “allergia,” which means “altered reaction.” The term was first used in the early 20th century to describe the properties of substances that cause allergic reactions.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, allergenic means “causing an allergic reaction.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “having the properties of an allergen.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “causing an allergy.”

Associations

Allergenic substances are associated with a wide range of allergic reactions, including hay fever, asthma, food allergies, and skin allergies. Some common allergens include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods such as peanuts and shellfish.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of allergenic include allergen, hypersensitive, sensitive, and reactive.

Antonyms

Antonyms of allergenic include non-allergenic, hypoallergenic, and inert.

The same root words

The same root words as allergenic include allergy, allergic, and allergen.

Example Sentences

1. The pollen from the flowers is highly allergenic and can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.
2. The food served at the restaurant is not allergenic and is safe for people with food allergies.
3. The doctor advised the patient to avoid all allergenic substances to prevent an allergic reaction.
4. The cosmetic company claims that their products are hypoallergenic and do not contain any allergenic substances.
5. The allergy test revealed that the patient was highly allergic to several allergenic substances, including dust mites and pet dander.