Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Fomes \Fo"mes\, n.; pl. {Fomites}. [L. fomes, -itis, touch-wood,
   tinder.] (Med.)
   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 : WordNet®

Fomes
     n : genus of bracket fungi forming corky or woody perennial
         shelflike sporophores often of large size; includes some
         that cause destructive heartrot in trees [syn: {genus
         Fomes}]