authentication

American  

[aw-then-ti-kay-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

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Etymology

Origin of authentication

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

authentication

The researchers say this combination could eventually be useful for large-scale content moderation, media authentication, surveillance, and other security-critical AI applications.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 1, 2026

Two-factor authentication for accessing her bank accounts is another barrier to criminals.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 24, 2026

EBay has been investing more in fashion resale and authentication services.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

Bekyarova-Delev said she had then paid for an independent authentication, which had found the bag to be fake.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

"I needed authentication from the Attorney General," said the Warden.

From "Holes" by Louis Sachar

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Related Words

• certification
• verification

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