anaphylaxis

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Extreme sensitivity to a substance such as a foreign protein or drug.
  2. A severe and rapid systemic allergic reaction to an allergen, causing a constriction of the trachea, preventing breathing; anaphylactic shock.

Pronunciation

/ˌænəfɪˈlæksɪs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-anaphylaxis.wav

Word forms

anaphylaxis anaphylaxes

Etymology

Borrowed from French anaphylaxie, coined by French physiologist and parapsychologist Charles Richet and French zoologist Paul Portier from the Ancient Greek ᾰ̓νᾰ- (ănă-, “(intensifier) thoroughly”) from ᾰ̓νᾰ́ (ănắ, “to, again, upon”) and φύλαξις (phúlaxis, “protection, watching, guarding”).

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