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 The treat includes an allergen warning: the ice cream includes milk, the butterscotch crumbles have nonfat dry milk and whole milk powder, and the butterscotch syrup has nonfat dry milk, too. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 21 May 2024 Since most of the allergens from the outdoors can't be fully eliminated, vets might suggest using a prescription medication to help pets cope with allergies. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2024 The region's top allergens are grasses, mulberry and walnut trees, per Pollen.com. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 20 May 2024 Taking some or all of those steps may not reduce allergen levels enough to impact symptoms. Ray Hainer, Health, 3 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for allergen 

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 10 Jun. 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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