dermatoglyphics

American

[der-mat-uh-glif-iks, dur-muh-tuh-] / dərˌmæt əˈglɪf ɪks, ˌdɜr mə tə- /

noun

(used with a plural verb) the patterns of ridges on the inner surface of the hands and feet.
(used with a singular verb) the science dealing with the study of these patterns.

dermatoglyphics British

/ ˌdɜːmətəʊˈɡlɪfɪks /

plural noun

the lines forming a skin pattern, esp on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
(functioning as singular) the study of such skin patterns

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

dermatoglyphic

adjective

Etymology

Origin of dermatoglyphics

1925–30; dermato- + Greek glýph ( ein ) to carve + -ics

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Called dermatoglyphics, it relies on the assumption that the tiny ridges on a person’s fingertips form permanent, unvarying patterns that are unique to that individual.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 12, 2024

Finger prints, palms and soles; an introduction to dermatoglyphics, by Harold Cummins & Charles Midlo. © 5Oct43; A175866.

From U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1970 July - December by Library of Congress. Copyright Office

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023