fingerprint

American  

[fing-ger-print] / ˈfɪŋ gərˌprɪnt /

noun

1. an impression of the markings of the inner surface of the last joint of the thumb or other finger.

2. such an impression made with ink for purposes of identification.

3. any unique or distinctive pattern that presents unambiguous evidence of a specific person, substance, disease, etc.

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verb (used with object)

1. to take or record the fingerprints of.

fingerprint British  

/ ˈfɪŋɡəˌprɪnt /

noun

1. an impression of the pattern of ridges on the palmar surface of the end joint of each finger and thumb

2. any identifying characteristic

3. biochem the pattern of fragments obtained when a protein is digested by a proteolytic enzyme, usually observed following two-dimensional separation by chromatography and electrophoresis

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verb

1. (tr) to take an inked impression of the fingerprints of (a person)

2. to take a sample of (a person's) DNA

fingerprint Cultural  

1. The impression or mark left by the underside of the tips of the fingers or thumbs. The impression is formed by a pattern of ridges on the skin surface. This pattern is unique for each individual and therefore can serve as a means of identification. (Compare DNA fingerprinting.)

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Discover More

Fingerprinting is used extensively in criminal investigation, but it is also used as a means of identification by many organizations.

Etymology

Origin of fingerprint

First recorded in 1855–60; finger + print

Example Sentences

"Our research is helping us uncover the unique statistical properties -- or statistical fingerprint -- of these sign systems, which are an early predecessor to writing," says Professor Christian Bentz.

From Science Daily

Stool samples were used to identify bacterial species by isolating 16S RNA, a molecule unique to bacteria that varies slightly between species, much like a fingerprint.

From Science Daily

Each phase left behind a unique mineral fingerprint, allowing researchers to track how the magma's composition shifted over time.

From Science Daily

The King's brother has been arrested, taken from his home on the King's estate at Sandringham, photographed and fingerprinted.

From BBC

The only sign that anything had happened here was a smudge on the glass wall—probably Jonah’s own fingerprints, smeared against the glass when he’d scrambled out a window.

From Literature