noun · neutral
allergen
UK/ˈælədʒən/US/ˈælərdʒən/AL·ler·gen
Band 7+speakingtask2
a substance that causes an allergic reaction
Examples
“The menu lists common allergens such as peanuts and shellfish.”
“Airborne allergens like pollen trigger seasonal hay fever in many people.”
“Food manufacturers must declare major allergens on packaging.”
Band 8 sentence
“Restaurants must clearly label common allergens like peanuts and shellfish to protect customers with severe sensitivities.”
Collocations
- common allergen
- food allergen
Word family
allergy nounallergic adjectiveallergenic adjective
Common mistakes
I am allergen to peanuts.→I am allergic to peanuts.
This food has allergy.→This food causes an allergy / contains allergens
Say it for a higher band
5allergy→6allergic→7+allergen
Synonyms
trigger
Easily confused
allergy
“His severe allergy to peanuts requires him to carry an EpiPen.”
Related words
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In Food & Cooking
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