authentication

American  

[aw-then-ti-key-shuhn] / ɔˌθɛn tɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of establishing something as genuine or authoritative.

   The requisite authentication was performed on each piece before it was donated to the museum.

2. Also called electronic authentication.  Digital Technology. the act or process of establishing identity and verifying permission to access an electronic device or computer network (often used attributively): biometric authentication;

   password authentication;

   biometric authentication;

   authentication credentials.

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Other Word Forms

• reauthentication
  noun

Etymology

Origin of authentication

First recorded in 1600–20; authenticat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Authentication apps differ in terms of how easy they are to use, the information they require from you, whether and where they offer to back up your authentication credentials, and a few other factors.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2023

Authentication using text messages has been the simplest security tool for a vast majority of people to use.

From New York Times • Feb. 23, 2023

Plex puts the Two-Factor Authentication option under your Account page.

From The Verge • Aug. 24, 2022

Authentication in such a circumstance can be tricky.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2020

Next comes the final protocol or eschatocol comprising: the Date, the Appreciation, the Authentication.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 5 "Dinard" to "Dodsworth" by Various

Related Words

• certification
• verification