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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
Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2025
Indoor allergens like dust, pet dander, and mold typically cause perennial allergies.2 Seasonal allergies tend to flare up during the spring, summer, or fall, when tree or grass pollens begin to multiply.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 5 Apr. 2025
The symptoms are the body's response to an allergen, such as pet dander.
—Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Substances like mold, dust mites, pet dander and pollen are known to contribute to various respiratory issues, particularly for individuals with asthma or allergies.
—Sissi Liu, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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dander
noun
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