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How did dander acquire its "temper" sense? There are several theories, though the evidence is inconclusive. It has been proposed that the meaning comes from the image of an angry person tearing out their hair by the fistful, scattering dandruff in the process. Some think it comes from a West Indian word dander, which refers to a kind of ferment and suggests "rising" anger (in English, ferment can mean "a state of unrest or excitement"). Others have suggested that the "anger" sense comes from the Dutch phrase op donderen, meaning "to burst into a sudden rage."
Examples of dander in a Sentence
Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
Pet dander or skin particles can seep into the fibers and form a small.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024
In addition, indoor air quality can also be affected by pet dander, mold and volatile organic compounds from various products and materials.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2025
These filtration systems are well-equipped with HEPA filters that can remove bacteria, dust, dander, smoke, and other allergens from the air.
—Melissa Epifano, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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dander
noun
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