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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
Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
The Ball Animal 3 is specifically designed to pick up pet dander and stray hairs off of a variety of surfaces.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2025
This model protects against allergens like pollen and pet dander, smoke, dust, and does it all from a place of covert, inoffensive design.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
In addition to pollen, the purifier captures dust, pet dander, and unwanted odors to keep your home extra fresh (which is especially handy in the colder months when the windows stay closed).
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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dander
noun
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