biometrics

[ bahy-uh-me-triks ]

/ ˌbaɪ əˈmɛ trɪks /

noun (used with a singular verb)

Biology, Statistics. biostatistics.

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.

Nearby words

biomedicine, biometeorology, biometer, biometric, biometrician, biometrics, biometry, biomicroscope, biomicroscopy, biomimetic, biomimetics

Origin of biometrics

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

Related forms

bi·o·met·ric, bi·o·met·ri·cal, adjectivebi·o·met·ri·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for biometrics

In the Appendix reference is made to various publications, mostly inexpensive, which deal with biometrics.
Parenthood and Race Culture|Caleb Williams Saleeby

Culture definitions for biometrics

biometrics

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.

Note

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).