Allergic is a term that is commonly used in the medical field to describe a person’s reaction to a particular substance. It is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can range from mild to severe. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of allergic, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and root words.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, allergic is defined as “relating to, caused by, or affected with an allergy.” An allergy is an immune system response to a foreign substance that is not typically harmful to the body, such as pollen, dust, or certain foods. When a person with an allergy comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system overreacts, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and swelling.
Origin
The word allergic originated in the early 20th century from the Greek word “allos,” which means “other” or “different.” The suffix “-ic” is used to form adjectives, meaning “of or pertaining to.” Therefore, allergic means “pertaining to an allergy.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
In addition to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, other dictionaries also define allergic similarly. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “having an allergy or allergies.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “having an allergy to something.”
Associations
Allergic is often associated with the symptoms that a person experiences when they come into contact with an allergen. These symptoms can include sneezing, itching, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, they can be life-threatening.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for allergic include sensitive, hypersensitive, intolerant, and reactive. These words all describe a person’s heightened response to a particular substance.
Antonyms
Antonyms for allergic include immune, resistant, and tolerant. These words describe a person’s ability to resist or tolerate a particular substance.
The same root words
The root word “allos” is also used in other words related to allergies, such as “allergy” and “allergen.” “Allergy” refers to the immune system response to an allergen, while “allergen” refers to the substance that triggers the allergic reaction.
Example Sentences
- John is allergic to peanuts, so he always carries an epinephrine auto-injector with him.
- Sarah’s allergic reaction to cat hair causes her eyes to water and itch.
- The doctor recommended that Mary take an antihistamine to relieve her allergic symptoms.
- Mark’s allergy to pollen is so severe that he has to stay indoors during the spring months.
- The school has a policy that prohibits peanuts on campus to protect students who are allergic.