atopy

noun

at·​o·​py ˈa-tə-pē 

: a genetic disposition to develop an allergic reaction (such as allergic rhinitis or asthma) and produce elevated levels of IgE upon exposure to an environmental antigen and especially one inhaled or ingested

atopic

(ˌ)ā-ˈtä-pik 

-ˈtō-

adjective

Examples of atopy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Management of a black leopard (Panthera pardus) with seasonal atopy and cutaneous adverse food reaction by using transmucosal immunotherapy Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine. —Jen McCaffery, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024

This may be an early case of atopy — the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases like asthma and allergic rhinitis. —Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024

One of the common causes of itchy paws in our canine patients can be allergies resulting in atopic dermatitis or atopy. —Dr. Devon B. Smith, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek atopia uncommonness, from atopos out of the way, uncommon, from a- + topos place

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

atopy

noun

at·​o·​py ˈat-ə-pē 

plural atopies

: a genetic disposition to develop an allergic reaction (as allergic rhinitis, asthma, or atopic dermatitis) and produce elevated levels of IgE upon exposure to an environmental antigen and especially one inhaled or ingested

atopic

(ˈ)ā-ˈtäp-ik, -ˈtō-pik 

adjective