Sensitivity to dust, for example (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: ALLERGY (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Sensitivity to dust, for example" with 7 letters is "ALLERGY".Allergy is a sensitivity or adverse reaction to substances like dust, pollen, or certain foods, caused by the immune system overreacting to something normally harmless. It can result in symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or difficulty breathing, affecting daily comfort and health.
Why "Allergy" Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning "sensitivity to dust, for example." The answer, ALLERGY, fits perfectly:
- Sensitivity to dust, for example: Allergy is the medical term for an abnormal, often rapid immune response to ordinarily harmless substances such as dust, pollen, pets, or foods—precisely matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With seven letters, allergy fits the enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The word covers a wide range of sensitivities, whether mild or severe, to environmental triggers.
Allergy is a foundational medical concept affecting millions of people worldwide:
Origin and usage:
- The term comes from Greek allos ("other, different") + ergon ("work, reaction") and was first used in medical literature in the early 20th century.
- Allergies are experienced as sneezing, rashes, itching, swelling, or other immune symptoms when exposed to triggers or allergens.
Common examples:
- Dust allergy, pollen allergy (hay fever), food allergies, pet allergies, mold allergies.
- Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe reactions.
Examples (context):
- “Her dust allergy makes cleaning a challenge.”
- “Allergies are more common during spring due to pollen.”
- “Doctors recommend tests to identify specific allergies.”
In quick crosswords like “Sensitivity to dust, for example (7),” clues about medical or health issues favor direct, scientific terms:
Definition: “Sensitivity to dust, for example” is a common definition for allergy, which covers all types of environmental and food sensitivities.
Clue type: Example-of-a-category clue, using a specific symptom to signal the general medical term.
Solving approach:
- For seven-letter terms in medicine for “sensitivity,” allergy is the standard answer; related words like “asthma” (6), “eczema” (6), and “hay fever” (8) do not fit as generally.
Crossword pattern: Medical conditions—allergy, anemia, migraine, asthma—are common, using specific examples to hint at general terms.
