DNA fingerprinting
noun
: a technique used especially for identification (as for forensic purposes) by extracting and identifying the base-pair pattern in an individual's DNA
called also DNA typing
DNA fingerprint
noun
Examples of DNA fingerprinting in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
No matter how small or dried-out a bloodstain is, forensic scientists can now gather enough genetic material to do DNA fingerprinting.
—Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 20 Oct. 2022
Investigators performed DNA fingerprinting on the bacteria in the sick people’s samples and found that they were closely related genetically.
—David Williams, CNN, 5 Aug. 2021
Moving from a DNA fingerprinting technique drilled into lab techs over decades to a new method with a new machine with its own quirks is not a trivial hurdle, says Danny Hellwig, who operates a not-for-profit crime lab in Utah dedicated to using next-generation sequencing to solve cold cases.
—Megan Molteni, Wired, 16 Dec. 2020
Fellow Brit Alec Jeffreys used the technique to develop DNA fingerprinting, which can distinguish individuals from each other.
—Inside Science Staff, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2019
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Word History
First Known Use
1984, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of DNA fingerprinting was
in 1984
Dictionary Entries Near DNA fingerprinting
Cite this Entry
“DNA fingerprinting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA%20fingerprinting. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
DNA fingerprinting
noun
: a method of identification (as for forensic purposes) by determining the unique pattern of a person's DNA
DNA fingerprint
noun
Medical Definition
DNA fingerprinting
noun
: a technique used especially for identification (as for forensic purposes) by extracting and identifying the base-pair pattern of an individual's DNA
called also DNA typing, genetic fingerprinting
Legal Definition
DNA fingerprinting
nounˌdē-ˌen-ˈā-
: a method of identification especially for evidentiary purposes by analyzing and comparing the DNA from tissue samples
More from Merriam-Webster on DNA fingerprinting
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about DNA fingerprinting
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