fingerprint
Relating to the unique pattern of ridges on the human finger or used as a distinctive identifying characteristic. In technical contexts, it describes devices or methods designed to recognize and analyze these specific biological marks.
Examples
3 of 5The new smartphone features a fingerprint scanner located under the display for quick access.
The new smartphone features a fingerprint scanner located under the display for quick access.
Forensic experts conducted a thorough fingerprint analysis to identify the suspect from the evidence.
Forensic experts conducted a thorough fingerprint analysis to identify the suspect from the evidence.
Check out this cool fingerprint lock I got for my gym locker; I don't need a key anymore!
Check out this cool fingerprint lock I got for my gym locker; I don't need a key anymore!
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'print' (like a printed book) that only your 'finger' can write. It is your body's own signature.
Quick Quiz
The bank installed a _____ recognition system to prevent unauthorized access to the vault.
Correct!
The correct answer is: fingerprint
Examples
The new smartphone features a fingerprint scanner located under the display for quick access.
everydayThe new smartphone features a fingerprint scanner located under the display for quick access.
Forensic experts conducted a thorough fingerprint analysis to identify the suspect from the evidence.
formalForensic experts conducted a thorough fingerprint analysis to identify the suspect from the evidence.
Check out this cool fingerprint lock I got for my gym locker; I don't need a key anymore!
informalCheck out this cool fingerprint lock I got for my gym locker; I don't need a key anymore!
The researchers utilized a unique fingerprint sequence of proteins to track the migration of the cells.
academicThe researchers utilized a unique fingerprint sequence of proteins to track the migration of the cells.
Our corporate security policy requires fingerprint authentication for all employees entering the server room.
businessOur corporate security policy requires fingerprint authentication for all employees entering the server room.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
DNA fingerprinting
a technique used to identify individuals via genetic material
to have one's fingerprints all over something
to be clearly responsible for or involved in something
leave a fingerprint
to leave a physical or metaphorical trace of one's presence
Often Confused With
A footprint refers to the mark of a foot or environmental impact, while a fingerprint is strictly for the digit and identity.
A blueprint is a technical plan or design, whereas a fingerprint is a unique identifying mark.
Usage Notes
While commonly a noun, 'fingerprint' is used as an attributive adjective in technical and security contexts to describe systems that rely on finger patterns.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'finger mark' or 'handprint' when they specifically mean the scientific 'fingerprint' used for identification.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'print' (like a printed book) that only your 'finger' can write. It is your body's own signature.
Word Origin
A compound of 'finger' (Old English 'fenger') and 'print' (from Old French 'preinte', meaning an impression).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Fingerprinting is a staple of global detective culture and is increasingly common in consumer electronics for security.
Quick Quiz
The bank installed a _____ recognition system to prevent unauthorized access to the vault.
Correct!
The correct answer is: fingerprint
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
at
A1A preposition used to indicate a specific point, location, or position in space. It is also used to specify a particular point in time or a certain state or activity.
but
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two statements that contrast with each other. It is used to introduce an added statement that is different from what has already been mentioned.
his
A1This word is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned. It functions as both a possessive determiner used before a noun and a possessive pronoun used on its own.
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