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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
Sanja Jelic, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026
Allergies Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to foreign substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 28 Apr. 2026
Too often, pet beds are cleaned monthly (or even less) after accumulating daily dander, hair, dirt, saliva, and bacteria.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
However, O'Connor says your curtains and drapes still collect dust, pet dander, cooking odors, and other airborne particles that can affect indoor air quality.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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dander
noun
