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DNA fingerprinting
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noun
the use of a DNA probe for the identification of an individual, as for the matching of genes from a forensic sample with those of a criminal suspect.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Also called genetic fingerprinting.
Origin of DNA fingerprinting
First recorded in 1985–90
OTHER WORDS FROM DNA fingerprinting
DNA fingerprint, nounWords nearby DNA fingerprinting
dn., DNA, DNAase, DNA chip, DNA fingerprint, DNA fingerprinting, DNA methylation, DNA microarray, DNA polymerase, DNA probe, DNA repair
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Scientific definitions for DNA fingerprinting
DNA fingerprinting
The use of a sample of DNA to determine the identity of a person within a certain probability. DNA fingerprinting is done by analyzing repeating patterns of base pairs in DNA sequences that are known to vary greatly among individuals.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for DNA fingerprinting
DNA fingerprinting
A technique by which the DNA of an individual can be compared with that found in a sample or another individual. It differs from DNA sequencing in that it compares only a few features of two strands of DNA.
notes for DNA fingerprinting
DNA fingerprinting is accepted as evidence in criminal trials, as well as in courts for establishing paternity and in identifying remains.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.