finger-mark

A child leaves a finger-mark on the clean windowpane.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mark or stain left on a surface by a finger, typically caused by dirt, grease, or moisture.

Usage Examples

• (Stains from fingers touching the surface.)
• (A single mark left by a finger.)

Advanced Usage

• "to leave a finger-mark": to create a visible impression on a surface by touching it.
  • Be careful not to leave any finger-marks on the freshly painted wall. (Avoid touching the wet paint.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fingerprint (n): an impression of the ridges on the tip of a finger, often used for identification.
  • The detective found a clear fingerprint on the doorknob. (A unique pattern used in forensic science.)
• Fingermark (n): an alternative spelling of "finger-mark," commonly used in British English.
  • The window had a greasy fingermark near the handle. (A visible stain from a finger.)

Synonyms

• Smudge: a blurred or smeared mark, often from a finger.
• Stain: a discoloration or mark left by a substance.
• Print: a mark left by pressure, such as a fingerprint.

Related Idioms

• Not a finger-mark: used to emphasize that something is completely clean or untouched.
  • The antique vase was pristine, with not a finger-mark on it. (No trace of handling or dirt.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Finger-mark up: to cover a surface with finger-marks.
  • The toddler finger-marked up the mirror with chocolate. (Left many messy stains.)