Main Entry: fo·mite

Pronunciation: \ˈfō-ˌmīt\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural fo·mites \-ˌmīts; ˈfäm-ə-ˌtēz, ˈfōm-\

: an inanimate object (as a dish, toy, book, doorknob, or clothing) that may be contaminated with infectious organisms and serve in their transmission <the much maligned toilet seat is a remarkably ineffective fomite—M. F. Rein> <what are the most common fomites for rotavirus in day-care settings—Pediatric Report's Child Health Newsletter>