ergo-, erg-

1. A misguided reaction to foreign substances by the immune system, the body system of defense against foreign invaders, particularly pathogens (the agents of infection).
2. Etymology: from about 1911, from German Allergie, coined in 1906 by Clemens E. von Pirquet (1874-1929), Austrian pediatrician, which came from Greek allos, "other, different, strange" + ergon, "activity".

The allergic reaction is misguided in that these foreign substances are usually harmless. The substances that trigger allergy are called allergen. Examples include pollens, dust mite, molds, danders, and certain foods. People prone to allergies are said to be allergic or atopic.

Although allergies can develop at any age, the risk of developing allergies is genetic. It is related to one's family history of allergy. If neither parent is allergic, the chance for allergies is about 15 percent. If one parent is allergic, the risk increases to 30 percent and if both are allergic, the risk is greater than 60 percent.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is the most common of the allergic diseases and refers to seasonal nasal symptoms that are due to pollens. Year round or perennial allergic rhinitis is usually due to indoor allergens, such as dust mites or molds.

Symptoms result from the inflammation of the tissues that line the inside of the nose (mucus lining or membranes) after allergens are inhaled. Adjacent areas, such as the ears, sinuses, and throat can also be involved.

1. Life force; the force exercised in the living organism.
2. Material that is directly or indirectly produced by photosynthesis and which is utilized as a feedstock in the manufacture of fuels and substitutes for petrochemical and other energy intensive products.

Organic waste from forestry and agriculture, and municipal solid waste are also included in the collaborative research; as well as, broader "system studies" on techno-economic aspects and greenhouse gas balances.

1. The capacity for work or vigorous activity; vigor; power.
2. Exertion of vigor or power: "I have this project which is requiring a great deal of time and energy."
3. Vitality and intensity of expression; forcefulness of expression; such as, a speech delivered with energy and emotion.
4. Usable heat or power.
5. A source of usable power; such as, petroleum or coal.
6. In physics, the capacity to do work; the property of a system that diminishes when the system does work on any other system, by an amount equal to the work so done; potential energy.

Forms of energy include heat, light, sound, electricity, and chemical energy. Energy and work are measured in the same units—foot-pounds, joules, ergs, or some other, depending on the system of measurement being used. When a force acts on a body, the work performed (and the energy expended) is the product of the force and the distance over which it is exerted.

First recorded in 1599, from Middle French energie, from Late Latin energia, which was from Greek energeia, "efficiency, activity, operation" came from energos, "active, working" from en-, "at" + ergon, "work". Used by Aristotle with a sense of "force of expression"; the broader meaning of "power" was first recorded in English in 1665. To energize; that is, "rouse to activity" is from 1753; energetic of people, institutions, etc., is from 1796. The term energy crisis was first recorded in 1970.

1. A condition of impairment or weakness caused by overwork.
2. Etymology: from Greek ergon, "work" + asthenos, "weakness".

A reference to an ant, or other social insect, in which the worker and the male characters are blended.

Having worker-like males.

A male ant resembling a worker.

A worker ant.

A government controlled by workers or the working class.

A fertile female ant lacking wings and therefore resembling an ergate (a worker ant).