Allergy: meaning, definitions and examples
๐คง
allergy
[หรฆlษrdสi ]
Definitions
medical condition
An allergy is a reaction by your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing.
Synonyms
hypersensitivity, sensitivity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| allergy |
Use when someone has a medical condition that causes them to react badly to certain foods, substances, or environmental factors.
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| hypersensitivity |
Utilized in medical or scientific contexts to describe an extreme sensitivity of the immune system, which can cause allergic reactions or other adverse responses.
|
| sensitivity |
Broad term used in everyday language to describe a heightened reaction to various stimuli, not necessarily related to allergies.
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Examples of usage
- Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, and swelling.
- Some common allergens include pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
informal
A strong dislike or aversion.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| allergy |
This word is commonly used in medical or health-related situations to describe a body's adverse reaction to a substance, such as pollen, food, or medication.
|
| aversion |
This word is used to express a strong feeling of dislike or unwillingness, often accompanied by a desire to avoid the disliked object or situation. It can be used in both psychological and everyday contexts.
|
| dislike |
This word is used in general contexts to express a mild to moderate degree of not liking something or someone. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
|
Examples of usage
- She has an allergy to early mornings, so don't expect her to be cheerful at breakfast time.
- He has an allergy to horror movies and refuses to watch them.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- Derived from the Greek word 'allos,' meaning 'other,' and 'ergon,' meaning 'work,' indicating a different, unusual response from the body to a substance.
- The term began to be used in the early 20th century, but the condition has been recognized in various forms for centuries.
Science
- Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, considering them threats.
- Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and certain foods, leading to symptoms like sneezing, itching, or swelling.
- In severe cases, an allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Cultural Perspectives
- Allergies vary significantly around the world; for instance, nut allergies are more prevalent in some regions compared to others.
- In some cultures, traditional remedies have been used to manage allergy symptoms, reflecting local flora and diet.
Health and Psychology
- The prevalence of allergies has been rising, often attributed to changes in lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors.
- Anxiety can be heightened in individuals with severe allergies, as the threat of exposure can create a constant state of alert.
Literature and Pop Culture
- Allergies are often depicted in movies and TV shows, bringing humor or drama to scenarios when characters have unexpected reactions.
- Books focused on health often discuss allergies, sharing personal stories of struggle with food or environmental allergies, raising awareness.
Translations
Translations of the word "allergy" in other languages:
๐ต๐น alergia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฒเคฐเฅเคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Allergie
๐ฎ๐ฉ alergi
๐บ๐ฆ ะฐะปะตัะณัั
๐ต๐ฑ alergia
๐ฏ๐ต ใขใฌใซใฎใผ
๐ซ๐ท allergie
๐ช๐ธ alergia
๐น๐ท alerji
๐ฐ๐ท ์๋ ๋ฅด๊ธฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุญุณุงุณูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ alergie
๐ธ๐ฐ alergia
๐จ๐ณ ่ฟๆ
๐ธ๐ฎ alergija
๐ฎ๐ธ ofnรฆmi
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐะปะปะตัะณะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ allergiya
๐ฒ๐ฝ alergia