(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
‖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. [ 1913 Webster ]