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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
Jennifer White, Parents, 1 July 2024
Launder any removable covers in hot water to kill dust mites and wash away dander.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2024
The vacuum also has a removable and washable HEPA filter that securely traps tiny particles like dust and dander.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 29 June 2024
Pillows can also contain dead skin, mold, and pet dander.
—Jamie Friedlander Serrano, TIME, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for dander 
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Dander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dander. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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dander
noun
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