What is "fomites"

Fomes \Fo"mes\ (f[=o]"m[=e]z), n.; pl. Fomites (f[o^]m"[i^]*t[=e]z). [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.

n. 1 (plural of fomite English) 2 (plural of fomes English) (pronounced /ˈfoʊ.mɪ.tiːz/)