fingerprint

[fing-ger-print]

noun

1. an impression of the markings of the inner surface of the last joint of the thumb or other finger.

2. such an impression made with ink for purposes of identification.

3. any unique or distinctive pattern that presents unambiguous evidence of a specific person, substance, disease, etc.

verb (used with object)

1. to take or record the fingerprints of.

fingerprint

/ ˈfɪŋɡəˌprɪnt /

noun

1. an impression of the pattern of ridges on the palmar surface of the end joint of each finger and thumb

2. any identifying characteristic

3. biochem the pattern of fragments obtained when a protein is digested by a proteolytic enzyme, usually observed following two-dimensional separation by chromatography and electrophoresis

verb

1. (tr) to take an inked impression of the fingerprints of (a person)

2. to take a sample of (a person's) DNA

fingerprint

1. The impression or mark left by the underside of the tips of the fingers or thumbs. The impression is formed by a pattern of ridges on the skin surface. This pattern is unique for each individual and therefore can serve as a means of identification. (Compare DNA fingerprinting.)

Fingerprinting is used extensively in criminal investigation, but it is also used as a means of identification by many organizations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fingerprint¹

First recorded in 1855–60; finger + print

Example Sentences

More than 40 marks were painted inside the passage and tomb, including fingerprints, handprints, diamond shapes and circles, and large symbols on the internal lintels.

From BBC

This is a yearly process mandated by the Indian government where Rohingya refugees are photographed and fingerprinted.

From BBC

That usually signalled that someone had forced a fingerprint onto a written oath of ideological conversion.

From BBC

They said they would have to fingerprint him to confirm his identity — something that he said never happened, according to Becerra.

From Los Angeles Times

It gives researchers the ability to extract genetic information from water, soil and even air, like a fingerprint of life left behind in the environment.

From BBC