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English

anaphylaxis

|a-na-phy-lax-is|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˌæn.ə.fɪlˈæk.sɪs/

🇬🇧

/ˌæn.ə.fɪˈlæk.sɪs/

severe allergic reaction

Etymology
Etymology Information

'anaphylaxis' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anaphylaxis,' where 'ana-' meant 'against' and 'phylaxis' meant 'protection.'

Historical Evolution

'anaphylaxis' was coined in the early 20th century from the Greek roots and became the modern English medical term 'anaphylaxis.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'against protection,' referring to a reaction opposite to immunity, and now it specifically refers to a severe allergic reaction.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs rapidly after exposure to an allergen.

The patient went into anaphylaxis after eating peanuts.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/07/29 20:36