allergen

[al-er-juhn, -jen]

noun

Immunology.

1. any substance, often a protein, that induces an allergy: common allergens include pollen, grasses, dust, and some medications.

allergen

/ ˈæləˌdʒɛn /

noun

1. any substance capable of inducing an allergy

allergen

1. A substance, such as pollen, that causes an allergic reaction.

Other Word Forms

• allergenic adjective
• allergenicity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of allergen¹

First recorded in 1910–15; aller(gy) + -gen

Example Sentences

Pea is not one of the 14 allergens required by law to be listed on food labels but earlier this week, experts said it – among others – should be.

From BBC

Food packaging in the UK and EU already lists the most common allergens for people to be aware of, such as egg, peanuts and sesame.

From BBC

The containers were found to be mistakenly filled with Friendly’s Cookies and Cream ice cream, which means there is an undisclosed wheat and soy allergen.

From Salon

Gittins said at a recent trip to a spa, she had to frantically "Google" Latin terms to check for allergens.

From BBC

The UK Food Standards Agency states that food retailers and caterers are required to provide allergen information, as set out in food law.

From BBC

Related Words

• antigen 
• dander 
• irritant 
• pollen 
• ragweed