online vocabulary.com

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.

fingerprint

/ˈfɪŋɡɚˌprɪnt/ /ˈfɪŋɡəˌprɪnt/

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.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS