dander

noun

dan·​der ˈdan-dər How to pronounce dander (audio)
1
: dandruff
specifically : minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may be allergenic
2
: anger, temper
now don't get your dander up

Did you know?

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

Recent Examples on the Web And for farmers like Giles, who are extremely sensitive, even the fumes from manure, dander, and amniotic fluid can set off reactions. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 7 Oct. 2024 The filtration helps capture up to 99.97% of the following microscopic airborne allergens and particles: Dust, pollen, pet dander, dust mite debris, and smoke. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Sep. 2024 This vacuum is designed specifically to clean pet hair and invisible pet messes, such as dander and allergens. Hannah Rice, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024 Others with dust mites or pet dander allergies may experience them year-round. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dander 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dander.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alteration of dandruff

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dander was in 1786

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Dictionary Entries Near dander

Cite this Entry

“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

dander

noun
dan·​der ˈdan-dər How to pronounce dander (audio)
1
: minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may cause allergy
2
: anger entry 1, temper
the insults got my dander up

Medical Definition

dander

noun
dan·​der ˈdan-dər How to pronounce dander (audio)
: dandruff
specifically : minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may act as allergens

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