fomes

[ foh-meez ]

noun

, plural fom·i·tes [fom, -i-teez, foh, -mi-].

1. Usually . Pathology. a surface, as clothing or a door handle, that 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 surface:

   I know my stainless steel sink is an excellent fomes, so it’s easily contaminated, but the vet told me not to worry about petting my dog—her porous, fibrous fur is a very poor fomes.

fomes

/ ˈfəʊmiːz /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fomes¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fomes¹

C18: from Latin fōmes tinder

Example Sentences

This has been called by many authors in America Fomes applanatus or Polyporus applanatus.

From Project Gutenberg

It resembles Fomes leucophus but is somewhat stouter and does not have as hard and firm a crust.

From Project Gutenberg

Figure 15 illustrates one of these peculiar forms of Polyporus (Fomes) applanatus.

From Project Gutenberg

Similar punk is sometimes formed in conifers from the mycelium of Fomes pinicola.

From Project Gutenberg