FOMES

Fomes, genus Fomes

(noun) genus of bracket fungi forming corky or woody perennial shelflike sporophores often of large size; includes some that cause destructive heartrot in trees

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

fomes (plural fomites)

(obsolete, medical) The morbid matter created by a disease.

(archaic, medical) synonym of fomite: a substance able to communicate infection between people.

(archaic, figurative) Anything which similarly facilitates the spread of something similarly deleterious.

Anagrams

• MEFOs

Source: Wiktionary

Fo"mes, n.; pl. Fomites. Etym: [L. fomes, -itis, touch-wood, tinder.] (Med.)

Definition: Any substance supposed to be capable of absorbing, retaining, and transporting contagious or infectious germs; as, woolen clothes are said to be active fomites.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition