dermatoglyphics

[ der-mat-uh-glif-iks, dur-muh-tuh- ]

/ dərˌmæt əˈglɪf ɪks, ˌdɜr mə tə- /

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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.

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Origin of dermatoglyphics

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

OTHER WORDS FROM dermatoglyphics

der·mat·o·glyph·ic, adjective

Words nearby dermatoglyphics

dermatobiasis, dermatofibroma, dermatofibrosarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, dermatogen, dermatoglyphics, dermatographia, dermatographism, dermatoheteroplasty, dermatoid, dermatologist

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

British Dictionary definitions for dermatoglyphics

dermatoglyphics

/ (ˌdɜːmətəʊˈɡlɪfɪks) /

pl n

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

Word Origin for dermatoglyphics

C20: from dermato- + Greek gluphē a carving; see glyph

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

Medical definitions for dermatoglyphics

dermatoglyphics

[ dûr′mə-tō-glĭf′ĭks ]

The patterns of lines and ridges on the skin of the fingertips, palms, and soles, used to establish the identity of individuals or as an indicator of chromosomal abnormalities.

The study of such patterns.