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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
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Certain Amazon vacuums even come with unique attachments like pet nozzles specifically designed to remove dander and fur clinging to furniture and upholstery.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2025
Best Home Deals With the Levoit Air Purifier, shoppers can ward off dust, dander, and allergens in rooms up to 275 square feet that affect their home’s air quality.
—Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
Sheets can collect bacteria, dust mites, and pet dander that may make those problems worse.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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dander
noun
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