Fomes

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

Fomes
    n 1: genus of bracket fungi forming corky or woody perennial
         shelflike sporophores often of large size; includes some
         that cause destructive heartrot in trees [syn: {Fomes},
         {genus Fomes}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

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.
   [1913 Webster]