hypoallergenic
English
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]
Pronunciation
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- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /haɪ.po.æl.ɚˈdʒɛn.ɪk/
- Rhymes: -ɛnɪk
Adjective
hypoallergenic
- Containing fewer allergens; minimally allergenic.
- (immunology) Relating to a hypoallergen.
Synonyms
Translations
containing few allergens
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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]
References
- ^ "Hypoallergenic" in Dictionary.com
- ^ ““Hypoallergenic: What's in a Word?””, in (Please provide the book title or journal name)[1], 2004 June 10 (last accessed), archived from the original on 10 June 2004
- ^ "Hypoallergenic" in Merriam-Webster
- ^ ““Hypoallergenic: What's in a Word?””, in (Please provide the book title or journal name)[2], 2004 June 10 (last accessed), archived from the original on 10 June 2004