fomes

American  

[foh-meez] / ˈfoʊ miz /

noun

plural

fomites

1. Pathology. Usually a surface, as clothing or a door handle, that can become contaminated with pathogens when touched by the carrier of an infection, and can then transmit the pathogens to those who next touch the surface.

   I know my stainless steel sink is an excellent fomes, so it’s easily contaminated, but the vet told me not to worry about petting my dog—her porous, fibrous fur is a very poor fomes.

---

fomes British  

/ ˈfəʊmiːz /

noun

1. med any material, such as bedding or clothing, that may harbour pathogens and therefore convey disease

---

Etymology

Origin of fomes

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin fōmes “kindling wood, tinder,” akin to fōvēre “to keep warm”

Example Sentences

But man is not called a transgressor, from not following the instigations of the fomes; but rather from his following them.

From Summa Theologica, Part I-II (Pars Prima Secundae) From the Complete American Edition by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint

Objection 1: It would seem that in Christ there was the fomes of sin.

From Summa Theologica, Part III (Tertia Pars) From the Complete American Edition by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint

And in respect of this, it may be said that He purified her entirely from the fomes.

From Summa Theologica, Part III (Tertia Pars) From the Complete American Edition by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint

Therefore the fomes was not entirely removed from her.

From Summa Theologica, Part III (Tertia Pars) From the Complete American Edition by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint

It remains, therefore, for us to say, either that the fomes was entirely taken away from her by her first sanctification or that it was fettered.

From Summa Theologica, Part III (Tertia Pars) From the Complete American Edition by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint