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 site stopped accepting lower-priced items, closed several brick-and-mortar stores, and ramped up its use of AI to make authentication of millions of designer goods faster.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026

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

In 2011, two other sites emerged: Poshmark, with a peer-to-peer marketplace, and the RealReal, focused on luxury items and authentication services.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 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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