antiallergic
|an-ti-al-ler-gic|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.ti.əˈlɝ.dʒɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.ti.əˈlɜː.dʒɪk/
against allergy
Etymology
'antiallergic' is formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') + 'allergic' (relating to 'allergy').
'Allergy' was coined in German (Allergie) in the early 20th century from Greek elements 'allos' ('other') + 'ergon' ('work, action'); English adopted 'allergy', then compounds such as 'antiallergic' were formed by adding the prefix 'anti-' and the adjective ending '-ic'.
Initially it denoted something 'against allergy' or 'counteracting allergic reactions'; this core meaning has remained stable and is still used to describe drugs or measures that reduce allergies.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance (often a drug) used to prevent or treat allergic reactions; an anti-allergy medication.
The doctor prescribed an antiallergic for her hay fever.
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Adjective 1
preventing, counteracting, or relieving allergic reactions; used of medicines, creams, or measures that reduce allergy symptoms.
She uses an antiallergic lotion to soothe the itchy rash.
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Last updated: 2025/10/31 23:47