fingerprint

noun

fin·​ger·​print ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint 

1

: the impression of a fingertip on any surface

also : an ink impression of the lines upon the fingertip taken for the purpose of identification

2

: something that identifies: such as

a

: a trait, trace, or characteristic revealing origin or responsibility

b

: analytical evidence (such as a spectrogram) that characterizes an object or substance

especially : the chromatogram or electrophoretogram obtained by cleaving a protein by enzymatic action and subjecting the resulting collection of peptides to two-dimensional chromatography or electrophoresis

c

: the base-pair pattern in an individual's DNA obtained by DNA fingerprinting

fingerprint transitive verb

Illustration of fingerprint

• 1 arch
• 2 loop
• 3 whorl
• 4 composite

Synonyms

• affection
• attribute
• attribution
• character
• characteristic
• criterion
• diagnostic
• differentia
• feature
• hallmark
• mark
• marker
• note
• particularity
• peculiarity
• point
• property
• quality
• specific
• stamp
• touch
• trait

Examples of fingerprint in a Sentence

Detectives found his fingerprints all over the gun.

Everyone has a unique fingerprint.

Recent Examples on the Web

Video from cameras in the subway alongside fingerprint and DNA technology were used in identifying Kawam, the New York Times reported. —Stephen Pastis, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

This year, for instance, inventors took a tip from jellyfish to create a non-toxic, fluorescent spray that can make fingerprints visible at a crime scene. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024

The secret key can be unlocked only when the user authenticates to the physical key using a PIN, password, or most commonly a fingerprint or face scan. —Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024

The Transport Ministry said authorities have identified 146 bodies and are collecting DNA and fingerprint samples from the other 33, according to the AP. —Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fingerprint

noun

fin·​ger·​print ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint 

: the pattern of marks made by pressing the tip of a finger on a surface

especially : a pattern of marks in ink of the lines on the tip of a finger taken for the purpose of identification

fingerprint verb

fingerprinting

-ˌprin-tiŋ

noun

Medical Definition

fingerprint

1 of 2 noun

fin·​ger·​print -ˌprint 

1

: the impression of a fingertip on any surface

especially : an ink impression of the lines on the fingertip taken for purpose of identification

2

: analytical evidence (as a spectrogram) that characterizes an object or substance

especially : the chromatogram or electrophoretogram obtained by cleaving a protein by enzymatic action and subjecting the resulting collection of peptides to two-dimensional chromatography or electrophoresis compare dna fingerprinting

fingerprint

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to analyze (as spectrographically or chromatographically) in order to determine uniquely the identifying characteristics, origin, or constitution of

each protein was fingerprinted

fingerprinting noun

Legal Definition

fingerprint

noun

fin·​ger·​print

: the impression of a fingertip on any surface

also : an ink impression of the lines upon the fingertip taken for the purpose of identification (as during the booking procedure following an arrest) see also dna fingerprinting

fingerprint transitive verb

fingerprinting noun