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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
Maggie Horton, People.com, 9 July 2025
Original price: $24.99 The Coway Air Purifier 100 covers up to 810 sq. ft. and features a true HEPA filter to capture 99.999% of ultra-fine particles like smoke, allergens, pet dander and odors.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Clean your home regularly: Frequent cleaning can help reduce dust mites, pet dander, mold, and other indoor allergens.
—Sarah Hudgens, Health, 5 May 2025
Old rugs are chock-full of dust and pet dander, and who knows what was spilled on those fibers in the past?
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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dander
noun
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