dander

noun

dan·​der ˈdan-dər How to pronounce dander (audio)
1
: dandruff
specifically : minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may be allergenic
2
: anger, temper
now don't get your dander up

Did you know?

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

Recent Examples on the Web The vacuum features four-stage filtration with a HEPA filter that removes 99.9 percent of dust, debris, and pet dander measuring 0.3 microns. Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2024 Designed with a 120-watt motor, the vacuum can pick up all the dirt, dust, and pet dander scattered on carpets and hardwood floors. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 3 Jan. 2024 Accuweather rated Monday’s air quality as fair, with low levels of tree, ragweed and grass pollen but high levels of mold and dust and dander. Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2024 Triggers include allergens such as pet dander and dust, exercise and frigid air. Andrew Abrahams, Peoplemag, 2 Feb. 2024 It’s built with a filtration system that traps 99.9% of common household allergens, including pesky pet dander. Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 24 Nov. 2023 This powerhouse cleans rooms up to 2,250 square feet in under one hour, removing dust, pollen, pet dander, dust mite debris, smoke, and more. Lauren Levy, Health, 26 Sep. 2023 If allergy symptoms are a concern, people can reduce the accumulation of dander or other allergens by frequently washing their sheets, using a HEPA air purifier, and bathing their pet often. Alyssa Hui, Health, 3 Feb. 2024 That means their asthma gets worse when exposed to an allergen like cat dander, which could lead to an asthma attack. Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 12 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dander.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alteration of dandruff

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dander was in 1786

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Cite this Entry

“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dander

noun
dan·​der ˈdan-dər How to pronounce dander (audio)
1
: minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may cause allergy
2
: anger entry 1, temper
the insults got my dander up

Medical Definition

dander

noun
dan·​der ˈdan-dər How to pronounce dander (audio)
: dandruff
specifically : minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin that may act as allergens

More from Merriam-Webster on dander

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