fomes

American  

[foh-meez] / ˈfoʊ miz /

noun

fomites plural

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.

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fomes British  

/ ˈfəʊmiːz /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of fomes

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

Example Sentences

But there belongs to the very nature of the fomes of sin an inclination of the sensual appetite to what is contrary to reason.

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

Therefore it would especially seem that the fomes of sin ought to have been in Christ.

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

If the discharge be stopped by astringents, a putrid fomes is retained in the body, which aggravates the delirium and increases the fever.

From Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air by Priestley, Joseph

Now the Holy Ghost drives out sin and the inclination to sin, which is implied in the word fomes.

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

Consequently it is essential to the fomes to incline to evil, or hinder from good.

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