dactyloscopy

[dak-tuh-los-kuh-pee]

noun

1. a method of studying fingerprints to establish identification.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dactyloscopy¹

First recorded in 1905–10; dactylo- + -scopy

Example Sentences

Any of you who are familiar with the ancient science of dactyloscopy will recognize this thumb as having the ridge-pattern known as a 'twin loop.'

From Project Gutenberg