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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
Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025
There are also year-round allergies that can be triggered by causes including dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, indoor mold or food allergens.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 7 May 2025
The idea is to desensitize an allergic person to a specific allergen, like pollen or cat dander.
—Sarah Klein, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
If dust, pollen, and pet dander are triggers for your household, this hypoallergenic formula removes 99% of everyday allergens and leaves no residue—just a powerful, yet gentle clean.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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dander
noun
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