biometrics

[bahy-uh-me-triks]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. Biology, Statistics.,  biostatistics.

2. biometry.

3. the process by which a person's unique physical and other traits are detected and recorded by an electronic device or system as a means of confirming identity.

   Scanning of the human iris is a reliable form of biometrics.

biometrics

1. The measuring and analysis of such physical attributes as facial features and voice or retinal scans. This technology can be used to define an individual's unique identity, often for security purposes.

Software is available that can match faces of individuals videotaped on the street to the picture of a suspected criminal or terrorist in a database. The use of biometrics is likely to increase in the future as security concerns become more of a priority for both governments and corporations following the September 11 attacks (2001).

Other Word Forms

• biometric adjective
• biometrical adjective
• biometrically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of biometrics¹

First recorded in 1900–05; biometr(y) + -ics

Example Sentences

The man was detained immediately, having been detected by biometrics, and will be sent back to France "as quickly as possible", the Home Office has said.

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Technology experts said options could include linking to biometrics held in government databases.

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Ms Parr called on the British government to negotiate with Israeli officials to facilitate the students' exit from Gaza and on to neighbouring countries, such as Jordan or Egypt, where biometrics can be processed.

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This record will then be valid for three years and means on later trips border officers will only need to verify a person's biometrics, which the EU hopes will take less time.

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It added that biometrics were immediately and permanently deleted for people who were not wanted by the police.

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