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

  • (UK) IPA(key): /haɪ.pəʊ.æl.ə(ɹ)ˈdʒɛn.ɪk/
  • (US) IPA(key): /haɪ.po.æl.ɚˈdʒɛn.ɪk/
  • Rhymes: -ɛnɪk

Adjective

hypoallergenic

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

Synonyms

Translations

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

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