Pathologic Function
atopy
a·to·py [ at-uh-pee ]
Etymology:
Greek a = not + topos = place
Hence "being out-of-place."
Definitions related to atopy:
  • A genetic predisposition to form IgE antibodies in response to exposure to allergens and therefore, for the development of immediate (type I) hypersensitivity and atopic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis; bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy. Mutations of specific alleles on the long arm of chromosome 5 have been associated with higher levels of IL-4 and IgE and are known as IL-4 promoter polymorphisms.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Genetic predisposition toward the development of immediate (type I) hypersensitivity reactions against common environmental antigens (atopic allergy); the most common clinical manifestation is allergic rhinitis; bronchial asthmas, atopic dermatitis and food allergy also occur.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • (atopic) Having an inherited predisposition to allergies.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • Atopy, type of hypersensitivity characterized by an immediate physiological reaction, with movement of fluid from the blood vessels into the tissues, upon exposure to an allergen. Atopy occurs mainly in persons with a familial tendency to allergic diseases; reaginic antibodies are found in the...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.