fomites

[ fom-i-teez, foh-mi- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

plural noun

, singular fo·mes [foh, -meez], fo·mite [foh, -mahyt].

Pathology. surfaces, as clothing or door handles, 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 surfaces:
Doorknobs are often cited as the classic fomites, although there’s nothing unusual about spreading disease via such fomites as toys, towels, elevator buttons, light switches, and remote controls.

Origin of fomites¹

First recorded in 1800–05; from Latin fōmitēs, plural of fōmes; fomes ( def )

Some even thought that neither the presence of infected persons, nor of fomites, was always absolutely requisite.

A chloride of carbonate of soda has been lately recommended as a disinfecting substance against contagious miasmata or fomites.

Nothing could better serve as the fomites which were supposed to convey the dread disease.

There is incontestable evidence that it is conveyed by fomites—a fact well worth bearing in mind.

If so, is it likely that clothes or fomites conveyed it in any case?

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