Fomite vs. Vehicle — What's the Difference?

A fomite () or fomes () is any inanimate object that, when contaminated with or exposed to infectious agents (such as pathogenic bacteria, viruses or fungi), can transfer disease to a new host. In the 21st century, the role of fomites in disease transfer is higher than ever in human history because of the indoor lifestyle.

A vehicle (from Latin: vehiculum) is a machine that transports people or cargo. Vehicles include wagons, bicycles, motor vehicles (motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses), railed vehicles (trains, trams), watercraft (ships, boats), amphibious vehicles (screw-propelled vehicle, hovercraft), aircraft (airplanes, helicopters) and spacecraft.Land vehicles are classified broadly by what is used to apply steering and drive forces against the ground: wheeled, tracked, railed or skied.

An inanimate object or substance that is capable of transmitting infectious organisms from one individual to another.

A thing used for transporting people or goods, especially on land, such as a car, lorry, or cart

(medicine) An inanimate object capable of carrying infectious agents (such as bacteria, viruses and parasites), and thus passively enabling their transmission between hosts; common examples include towels, dishcloths, kitchenware/flatware, and laundry.

A thing used to express, embody, or fulfil something

Any inanimate object (as a towel or money or clothing or dishes or books or toys etc.) that can transmit infectious agents from one person to another

A film, television programme, song, etc. that is intended to display the leading performer to the best advantage

A privately controlled company through which an individual or organization conducts a particular kind of business, especially investment.

A device or structure for transporting persons or things; a conveyance

A self-propelled conveyance that runs on tires; a motor vehicle.

A medium through which something is transmitted, expressed, or accomplished

The concrete or specific word or phrase that is applied to the tenor of a metaphor and gives the metaphor its figurative power, as walking shadow in "Life's but a walking shadow" (Shakespeare).

A play, role, or piece of music used to display the special talents of one performer or company.

An inactive substance that is combined with an active medication to facilitate administration.

A substance, such as oil, in which paint pigments are mixed for application.

A conveyance; a device for carrying or transporting substances, objects or individuals.

A medium for expression of talent or views.

A liquid content (e.g. oil) which acts as a binding and drying agent in paint.

(pharmaceuticals) The main excipient (such as an oil or gel) that conveys the active ingredient of a drug.

An entity to achieve an end.

(Buddhism) A mode or method of spiritual practice; a yana.

(Hinduism) An animal or (rarely) a plant on which a Hindu deity rides or sits

That in or on which any person or thing is, or may be, carried, as a coach, carriage, wagon, cart, car, sleigh, bicycle, etc.; a means of conveyance; specifically, a means of conveyance upon land.

That which is used as the instrument of conveyance or communication; as, matter is the vehicle of energy.

A substance in which medicine is taken.

Any liquid with which a pigment is applied, including whatever gum, wax, or glutinous or adhesive substance is combined with it.

A liquid used to spread sensitive salts upon glass and paper for use in photography.

A conveyance that transports people or objects

A medium for the expression or achievement of something;

Any inanimate object (as a towel or money or clothing or dishes or books or toys etc.) that can transmit infectious agents from one person to another