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.

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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

Since these movements are indirectly voluntary, St. Thomas' teaching does not conflict with the Council of Trent which speaks of the fomes as habitual dispositions and not of its acts which St. Thomas considers.

From Moral Theology A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities by Callan, Charles Jerome

And hence it is plain that the more perfect the virtues are in any man, the weaker the fomes of sin becomes in him.

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

Therefore there was also the fomes of sin.

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

Therefore the fomes was not in the Blessed Virgin.

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

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