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allergy

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The definition of an allergy is a sensitivity to a specific substance which causes a negative bodily reaction, such as sneezing, wheezing, itching or difficulty breathing.

(noun)

Breaking out in hives when getting stung by a bee is an example of an allergy.

See allergy in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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noun pl. allergies

a hypersensitivity to a specific substance (such as a food, pollen, dust, etc.) or condition (as heat or cold) which in similar amounts or degrees is harmless to most people: it is manifested in a physiological disorder
a strong aversion

Origin: Ger allergie < Gr allos, other (see else) + -ergeia, as in energeia (see energy)

See allergy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. al·ler·gies

An abnormally high sensitivity to certain substances, such as pollens, foods, or microorganisms. Common indications of allergy may include sneezing, itching, and skin rashes.
Informal An adverse sentiment; antipathy: an allergy to cocktail parties.

Origin:

Origin: German Allergie

Origin: : Greek allos, other; see allo-

Origin: + Greek ergon, action; see werg- in Indo-European roots

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