allergen

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Certainly! Let's break down the word "allergen" in a way that's easy to understand.

Definition:

Allergen (noun): An allergen is any substance that can cause an allergy. This means that when someone comes into contact with this substance, their body might have a negative reaction, which is often called an allergic reaction.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "allergen" when talking about things that can cause allergies. You can find allergens in food, plants, animals, and even in the air.

Example:

• "Peanuts are a common allergen that can cause serious reactions in some people."
• "Dust mites are another allergen that can trigger asthma."

Advanced Usage:

• In scientific or medical contexts, you might see "allergen" used in discussions about immunology or allergy testing. For example: "The doctor performed tests to identify the specific allergens affecting the patient."

Word Variants:

• Allergic (adjective): Relating to an allergy. For example, "She is allergic to pollen."
• Allergy (noun): The condition of being allergic. For example, "He has a peanut allergy."
• Allergist (noun): A doctor who specializes in allergies. For example, "I went to see an allergist for my hay fever."

Different Meanings:

While "allergen" specifically refers to substances causing allergies, the other forms (like "allergic" and "allergy") relate more broadly to the body's reaction to allergens.

Synonyms:

• Trigger (in the context of causing an allergic reaction)
• Irritant (though this can have a broader meaning and may include non-allergic reactions)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "allergen" directly, but you might hear phrases like: - "Stay away from known allergens" (meaning to avoid substances that you know can cause allergic reactions).

Summary:

In summary, an "allergen" is a substance that can cause allergies in some people.

Academic

Noun

1. any substance that can cause an allergy