dander

noun

dan·​der ˈdan-dər 

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

Lucky for you, this Bissell vacuum has a specialized brush that is designed to suck up every last bit of fur, dander, and dust. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 17 Apr. 2024

According to the brand, the purifier can snatch up to 99.97 percent of airborne germs and allergens from the air, including dust, pet dander, pollen, and smoke. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2024

According to the brand, it’s equipped with 99.97 percent filtration efficiency to capture all sorts of germs and allergens from the air, including pollen, dust, smoke, and pet dander. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024

Pollution, dust, mold and pet dander also can trigger allergy symptoms. —Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2024

Equipped with a powerful motor and two cleaner heads, the Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum easily picks up dirt, dust, and pet dander from carpet and hard flooring. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024

Lingering pet dander in carpets can make a unit uninhabitable in the future for someone with severe allergies. —Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024

The vacuum features four-stage filtration with a HEPA filter that removes 99.9 percent of dust, debris, and pet dander measuring 0.3 microns. —Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2024

Designed with a 120-watt motor, the vacuum can pick up all the dirt, dust, and pet dander scattered on carpets and hardwood floors. —Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 3 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of dandruff

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dander

• get someone's dander up

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Kids Definition

dander

noun

dan·​der ˈdan-dər 

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 

: dandruff

specifically : minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may act as allergens