FOMITE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does fomite mean? 

• FOMITE (noun)
  The noun FOMITE has 1 sense:

1. any inanimate object (as a towel or money or clothing or dishes or books or toys etc.) that can transmit infectious agents from one person to another

  Familiarity information: FOMITE used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FOMITE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Any inanimate object (as a towel or money or clothing or dishes or books or toys etc.) that can transmit infectious agents from one person to another

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made)

Synonyms:

fomite; vehicle

Hypernyms ("fomite" is a kind of...):

object; physical object (a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow)

 Context examples 

Molluscum contagiosum Viruses are transmitted via direct person-to-person contact and contact with infected fomites.

(Molluscum Contagiosum Virus, NCI Thesaurus)

An acute infectious disease caused by RUBULAVIRUS, spread by direct contact, airborne droplet nuclei, fomites contaminated by infectious saliva, and perhaps urine, and usually seen in children under the age of 15, although adults may also be affected.

(Mumps, NLM, Medical Subject Headings)