allergen

noun

al·​ler·​gen ˈa-lər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance (such as pollen) that induces allergy
allergenic adjective
allergenicity noun

Examples of allergen in a Sentence

common allergens, such as pollen
Recent Examples on the Web There are a variety of factors that can influence the ability to take a breath: allergens, air pollution and even climate change. Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 13 May 2024 Undeclared allergens are the biggest reason for the rise April 26, 2024 Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in children under 5 or older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2024 While jersey may feel super soft and cozy, thick cotton materials are more likely to harbor moisture particles, which can lead to the development of common allergens like dust mites and mold. Deanne Revel, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2024 Each potential allergen is placed on your skin and covered for a few days. Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 10 May 2024 Common allergies are pollen, peanuts, mold, and animal dander, but rare food allergies to allergens like beer and coffee beans exist. Jennifer Sabour, Health, 10 May 2024 Dahl added that nasal rinses or irrigation can help clear allergens or thick mucus in the nose, especially during allergy and pollen season. Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 8 May 2024 In Sacramento, the top allergens are oak, elder and juniper trees, according to Pollen.com. Hanh Truong, Sacramento Bee, 7 May 2024 Milwaukee is forecast on Monday to see medium-high pollen counts with top allergens of Mulberry, Oak and Ash. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 7 May 2024

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

borrowed from German Allergen,, blend of allerg- (in Allergie allergy) and -gen (in Antigen antigen)

Note: See note at allergy.

First Known Use

circa 1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allergen was circa 1907

Dictionary Entries Near allergen

Cite this Entry

“Allergen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergen. Accessed 18 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

allergen

noun
al·​ler·​gen ˈal-ər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance (as pollen) that causes allergy
allergenic adjective

Medical Definition

allergen

noun
al·​ler·​gen ˈal-ər-jən How to pronounce allergen (audio)
: a substance that induces allergy
inhaled allergens
a suspected food allergen

More from Merriam-Webster on allergen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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