biometric

American  

[bahy-uh-me-trik] / ˌbaɪ əˈmɛ trɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to biometry.

2. pertaining to, noting, or using a person's unique physical and other traits for the purposes of identification and security.

   a biometric system;

   biometric readers;

   a biometric passport.

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biometric British  

/ ˌbaɪəʊˈmɛtrɪk /

adjective

1. 1. relating to the analysis of biological data using mathematical and statistical methods

   2. relating to digital scanning of the physiological or behavioural characteristics of individuals as a means of identification

      biometric fingerprinting

2. relating to the statistical calculation of the probable duration of human life

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Etymology

Origin of biometric

First recorded in 1875–80; bio- ( def. ) + metric ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Bluesky temporarily blocked access to all Mississippian IP addresses and is still refusing to mandate biometric data.

From Slate

The platform, which hosts public and private chat servers, will require users to submit to a biometric face scan or send a picture of a government ID card, along with a selfie to prove their age.

From Salon

There are warnings of queues at passport control at airports in Europe over upcoming holiday periods, as the rollout of a new biometric border system continues.

From BBC

In the 1980s and ’90s, biometric authentication was a technology our parents could only imagine after watching sci-fi movies in theaters or on VCRs.

From The Wall Street Journal

A December 2025 Visa study found that 71% of Gen Z consumers were more likely to use biometric authentication—more than any other generation.

From The Wall Street Journal