Hypoallergic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A descriptor for items or substances designed to reduce the likelihood of triggering allergic reactions in sensitive people
2. An adjective that signifies the potential for a product to cause fewer allergic responses among individuals with sensitivities
3. A term used to describe products that are formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions for individuals prone to allergies

Etymology: Hypoallergenic is a textbook coinage: it is simply the prefix "hypo-" attached to "allergic," a word built on the German "Allergie," which was itself coined in the early twentieth century from Ancient Greek roots. The prefix comes from Ancient Greek "hupo," meaning "under" or "less," so the sense is literally "less allergic." The Greek elements tell the story. "Allergic" combines "allos," meaning "other," with "ergon," meaning "work" or "reaction," so an allergy is an altered or "other" reaction in the body. "Hypo-" then softens that sense, marking products that are less likely to provoke such a reaction. The word is therefore a modern compound, and its meaning follows directly from its parts: a hypoallergenic product is one designed to be less likely to trigger an allergic response.

Synonyms: non-allergenic