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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
Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026
Designed for everyday use, this model keeps indoor air fresher by reducing smoke, pet dander, and lingering cooking odors.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026
Look for a vacuum that has a HEPA filter that traps up to 99% of dust, pollen, pet dander and bacteria.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
Other allergens like mold, pollen, and pet dander can also collect on your mattress.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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dander
noun
