hypoallergenic

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Translations 1.4 Usage notes 1.5 References

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Coined between 1950 and 1955 from hypo- + allergenic.^[1] Some say that it was coined by advertisers in 1953.^[2] Merriam-Webster puts the date at 1940.^[3]

[edit] Pronunciation

• (WEAE) IPA: /haɪ.po.æl.ɚˈʤɛn.ɪk/ (Rhymes)

[edit] Adjective

hypoallergenic

1. Containing fewer allergens.

[edit] Synonyms

• hypoallergic

[edit] Translations

• Greek: υποαλλεργικός el(el) (ypoallergikós)

[edit] Usage notes

The term is used by advertisers for cosmetics, jewelry, pets, food, and so on, but it does not have a precise medical meaning. The FDA tells consumers, “There are no federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term hypoallergenic. The term hypoallergenic means whatever a particular company wants it to mean.”^[4]

[edit] References

• Notes:

1. ^ "Hypoallergenic" in Dictionary.com
2. ^ “Hypoallergenic: What's in a Word?”
3. ^ "Hypoallergenic" in Merriam-Webster
4. ^ “Hypoallergenic: What's in a Word?”