fingerprint

[ fing-ger-print ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to take or record the fingerprints of.

fingerprint

/ 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

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

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 .)

Notes

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fingerprint¹

First recorded in 1855–60; finger + print

Example Sentences

Red pigment marks shaped like human fingerprints dot the inside of the shell, near its wide opening where someone trimmed the edge.

From Science News

If we look closely at the images produced by telescopes, we see the fingerprints of quantum mechanics.

From Ars Technica

Smudges left by their fingerprints may not be your only touch screen issue.

From Popular-Science

Although the four Afghans had names that were similar to those of known Taliban fighters who had left DNA or fingerprints on bombs used to attack Americans, they weren’t same men or they weren’t Taliban, according to the Army.

From Washington Post

Citizens were asked to collect evidence, take photographs and process fingerprints.

From Washington Post

Five days later authorities were able to match a fingerprint at the post office to Wilson sending him to an early retirement.

From The Daily Beast

In the end he was left with a disappointing product that bore little of his creative fingerprint.

From The Daily Beast

When they subsequently managed to fingerprint her, she seemed to have outdone Dillinger.

From The Daily Beast

But the Social Security people required an FBI fingerprint check.

From The Daily Beast

As with the fingerprint scanner of the iPhone 5s, the larger screen means that the phone will cost more.

From The Daily Beast

Luckily, we've got a way to tell if you've got it right: beneath the key will be a much shorter number, called the 'fingerprint'.

From Project Gutenberg

On it, in huge white luminous letters, were her public key and her fingerprint and email address.

From Project Gutenberg

Some inks are more soluble in the solution used for fingerprint tests than others?

From Project Gutenberg

“They all forget something,” said Fosdick, as Drew hurried out through the door with a bow toward the staring fingerprint man.

From Project Gutenberg

Matching of trace impurities is often called a “fingerprint” method.

From Project Gutenberg