rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydanderSkin flakes
noun

dander

DAN-der/ˈdændər/

Tiny flakes of skin shed by animals or people.

The magnified view shows dander among the cat’s fur.

A cat with a large optical magnifier revealing tiny irregular skin flakes among its fur and lifting away from the skin; the magnified detail distinguishes dander from shed hairs.
Etymology
danderEnglishscurf, dandruff

Earlier dandro referred to scurf or dandruff, the same kind of shed skin scales now meant by animal dander. The word’s deeper origin is uncertain.

In context

Kitten Life3:37
the balinese produce the same type of dander as all cat breeds which causes human allergies
Balinese Cats 101 : Fun Facts & Myths

More examples

  • Cat dander collected on the upholstery.
  • The report identified dander in the dust sample.
  • Regular cleaning reduced the visible dust and dander.

Forms

dander

Similar words

dandruff
Dandruff is shed scalp skin; dander includes tiny flakes from animals or people more generally.
fur
Fur is hair; dander is skin flakes, often carried among the hairs.