allergy

UK: ˈælədʒi | US: ˈælərdʒi

Definition

  1. n. an abnormal immune response to a harmless substance, such as pollen or food

  2. n. a strong dislike or aversion to something

Structure
all <other>erg <work>y <noun suffix>all <other>erg <work>y <noun suffix>
Etymology

allergy = all<other> + erg<work> + y<noun suffix>

  • all<other>: From Greek allos (other, different).
  • erg<work>: From Greek ergon (work, activity), referring to the body’s reactive "work" to foreign substances.
  • y<noun suffix>: Forms nouns indicating a state or condition.

Etymology Origin:
Coined in 1906 by Austrian pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet, blending Greek allos (other) and ergon (work) to describe the body’s "altered reaction" to harmless substances. The term captures the immune system’s misguided "work" against perceived threats.

Examples

  1. She developed an allergy to peanuts after childhood.

  2. His allergy to cats makes visiting friends difficult.

  3. Pollen allergy symptoms include sneezing and itchy eyes.

  4. I have an allergy to unfair treatment.

  5. The doctor confirmed it was a dust mite allergy.