allergen
Meaning: A substance that causes an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to it, such as pollen, dust mites, certain foods, or animal dander.
Allergens trigger the immune system to produce an exaggerated response in susceptible individuals, resulting in symptoms ranging from mild (sneezing, itching) to life-threatening (anaphylaxis). Common allergens include tree and grass pollen, peanuts, shellfish, latex, and pet hair. UK food labelling law requires the declaration of fourteen major allergens. The adjective 'allergenic' describes something capable of causing an allergy.
Examples
- Food labels in the UK must clearly identify the presence of fourteen specified allergens. 英国的食品标签必须清楚标明十四种指定过敏原的存在。Las etiquetas alimentarias en el Reino Unido deben identificar claramente la presencia de catorce alérgenos especificados.英国の食品表示では、指定された14種類のアレルゲンの存在を明確に表示しなければなりません。영국의 식품 표시에는 지정된 14종의 알레르겐 함유 여부를 명확히 표기해야 합니다.
- Pollen is the most common allergen responsible for seasonal hay fever symptoms. 花粉是引起季节性花粉症症状的最常见过敏原。El polen es el alérgeno más común responsable de los síntomas de la fiebre del heno estacional.花粉は季節性花粉症の症状を引き起こす最も一般的なアレルゲンです。꽃가루는 계절성 꽃가루 알레르기(건초열) 증상을 일으키는 가장 흔한 알레르겐입니다.
- The nursery implemented strict protocols to protect children with severe allergen sensitivities. 该托儿所制定了严格的规程,以保护对过敏原有严重敏感性的儿童。La guardería implantó protocolos estrictos para proteger a los niños con sensibilidades graves a alérgenos.その保育園では、重度のアレルゲン過敏症を持つ子供たちを守るために厳格な対策を実施した。그 보육원에서는 중증 알레르겐 과민증을 가진 아이들을 보호하기 위해 엄격한 관리 방침을 시행했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, media, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek allos (other, different) and ergon (work, activity), combined with -gen (producer). The concept of allergy was introduced by Clemens von Pirquet in 1906; 'allergen' followed shortly after.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from General Advanced
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free