1. Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen) resulting in a marked increase in reactivity to that antigen upon subsequent exposure sometimes resulting in harmful immunologic consequences. Syn: acquired sensitivity, induced sensitivity. See Also: allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, immune.
2. That branch of medicine concerned with the study, diagnosis, and treatment of allergic manifestations.
3. An acquired hypersensitivity to certain drugs and biologic materials.
Origin
[G. allos, other, + ergon, work]
atopic allergy
bacterial allergy
cold allergy
contact allergy
delayed allergy
drug allergy
immediate allergy
latent allergy
physical allergy
polyvalent allergy