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fomite

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.04 sec.
fo·mite  (fmt)
n.
An inanimate object or substance that is capable of transmitting infectious organisms from one individual to another.

[Back-formation from New Latin fmits, pl. of Latin fmes, tinder, from fovre, to warm; see dhegwh- in Indo-European roots.]
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.fomite - any inanimate object (as a towel or money or clothing or dishes or books or toys etc.) that can transmit infectious agents from one person to another
object, physical object - a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow; "it was full of rackets, balls and other objects"


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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can survive briefly on open surfaces, so transmission by fomites (inanimate objects that can transmit infectious material) such as doorknobs and toilet seats is theoretically possible but unlikely.
The daily animated series of kernel maps clearly shows that SARS was a highly localized disease; thus, its route of transmission was unlikely to be through casual contact, as it is for influenza and measles, but more compatible with close contact via heavy respiratory droplets and fomites.
It is acquired by direct contact with an infected individual or, less commonly, by contact with a fomite (e.
 
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