fomites

[ fom-i-teez, foh-mi- ]
/ ˈfɒm ɪˌtiz, ˈfoʊ mɪ- /

plural noun, singular fo·mite [foh-meet] /ˈfoʊ mit/, fo·mes [foh-meez] /ˈfoʊ miz/

Pathology. inanimate objects whose surfaces can become contaminated with pathogens when touched by the carrier of an infection and can then transmit the pathogens to those who next touch the surfaces: Doorknobs are often cited as the classic fomites, although there’s nothing unusual about spreading disease via such fomites as toys, towels, elevator buttons, light switches, and remote controls.

Words nearby fomites

fomalhaut, foment, fomentation, fomes, fomite, fomites, fomo, fomorian, fon, fond, fond du lac

Definition for fomites (2 of 2)

fomes
[ foh-meez ]
/ ˈfoʊ miz /

noun, plural fom·i·tes [fom-i-teez, foh-mi-] /ˈfɒm ɪˌtiz, ˈfoʊ mɪ-/.

Usually fomites. Pathology. any agent, as clothing or a door handle, that is capable of being contaminated with and then transmitting the infecting organism of a disease.
Also called fo·mite [foh-meet] /ˈfoʊ mit/.

Origin of fomes

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin fōmes “kindling wood, tinder,” akin to fōvēre “to keep warm”

Content related to fomites

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Example sentences from the Web for fomites

British Dictionary definitions for fomites

fomes
/ (ˈfəʊmiːz) /

noun plural -mites (-mɪtiːz)

med any material, such as bedding or clothing, that may harbour pathogens and therefore convey disease

Word Origin for fomes

C18: from Latin fōmes tinder

Medical definitions for fomites

fomes
[ fō′mēz ]

n. pl. fom•i•tes (fŏm′ĭ-tēz′, fō′mĭ-)

Fomite.