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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
Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026
And, of course, mold, pet dander and dust mites never really go away.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026
If allergies are an issue, steer clear of carpeting, as this can trap dust, pollen and pet dander, making allergy symptoms worse.
—Dan Simms, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Six out of 10 are exposed to cat or dog dander.
—Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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dander
noun
