English edit

 
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Etymology edit

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 edit

Adjective edit

hypoallergenic

  1. Containing fewer allergens; minimally allergenic.
  2. (immunology) Relating to a hypoallergen.

Usage notes edit

The first sense of 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.”[2]

Synonyms edit

Translations edit

References edit

  1. ^ hypoallergenic”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Carmel Smyth (2000 October 3) “Hypoallergenic: What's in a Word?”, in Marketplace Microscope[1], CBC, archived from the original on 10 June 2004
  3. ^ hypoallergenic”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.