Pronunciation: [atˈɒpɪk] (IPA) 
The word "atopic" is often misspelled as "atopic" with a single "t". However, the correct spelling of this medical term used to describe allergies is "atopic" with a double "t". The phonetic transcription of this word is /eɪˈtɒpɪk/. The "a" is pronounced as "ey", followed by a glottal stop represented by the apostrophe before the "t". The "t" is pronounced with a slight aspiration, and the final "ic" is pronounced as "ik".
Atopic is an adjective that pertains to a specific allergic or inflammatory reaction occurring on or within the body, particularly in relation to allergies or conditions such as eczema or asthma. The term is derived from the Greek word "atopia," meaning unusual or out of place.
In the field of medicine, atopic is often used to describe individuals who are genetically predisposed to having allergies or allergic reactions. These individuals generally have an increased immune response to common allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods, when compared to the general population. Atopy is characterized by the production of elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to the exposure to such allergens.
Moreover, atopic conditions commonly manifest as skin-related issues like eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, which is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It may also refer to allergic asthma, where the respiratory system is hypersensitive to triggers, leading to wheezing, difficulty breathing, and coughing.
Furthermore, atopic can also describe a state of being or a particular environment that promotes or triggers allergic reactions, such as atopic eczema flare-ups due to exposure to certain fabrics or substances. It is important for individuals with atopic conditions to manage and control their triggers, through appropriate medications, allergen avoidance, and the adoption of proper skincare routines, to minimize the severity and frequency of allergic reactions and improve overall quality of life.
Displaced, misplaced.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "atopic" is derived from the combination of two Greek terms: "a-" and "topos".
The prefix "a-" has a negating or absence connotation in Greek, similar to the English prefix "a-" or "an-", which means "without" or "not".
The term "topos" means "place" or "location" in Greek.
In the context of medicine, "atopic" refers to a predisposition or tendency to develop allergic diseases such as asthma, eczema, or hay fever. The term "atopic" was first used by the Dutch pediatrician Cornells Pompe van Mejuffeen in the 1920s to describe this type of inherited allergic tendency.
