Fingerprint - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A fingerprint is the unique pattern of ridges on a person's fingertip, used for identification. It can also refer to any distinctive mark or characteristic that identifies something or someone.
Definition:
A unique pattern of ridges on a fingertip used for identification.
Synonyms:
thumbprint, dactylogram, ridge pattern
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
anonymity, unidentifiability
Common Collocations:
fingerprint analysis, fingerprint scanner, fingerprint evidence, take fingerprints
Derivatives:
fingerprinting, fingerprinted
Usage Tips:
Use "fingerprint" as a noun for the physical mark or as a verb meaning to record or identify someone's prints.
Common Phrases:
leave a fingerprint, fingerprint in the system, digital fingerprint
Etymology:
Derived from "finger" + "print," first recorded in the mid-19th century for ridge patterns on fingers.
Examples:
- 1. The detective found a clear fingerprint on the glass.
- 2. Police use fingerprint technology to solve crimes quickly.
- 3. Every person’s fingerprint is completely unique.
- 4. She carefully lifted the fingerprint with tape for evidence.