fingerprint

/'fiɳgəprint/

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Explanation of the Word "Fingerprint"

Definition:
A fingerprint is a unique mark made by the ridges and patterns on the skin of a person's finger. Each person's fingerprints are different, which is why they are often used to identify people. Fingerprints can also refer to any special characteristic that helps to identify someone or something.

Usage as a Verb:

• To Take Fingerprints:
  • Example: "The police will fingerprint all the suspects to see if they match the evidence."
  • This means that the police will take an impression of the suspects' fingerprints.

Advanced Usage:

• In technology, "fingerprint" can refer to digital fingerprints, which are unique data patterns used to identify users in cybersecurity.
• For example, "The software uses a digital fingerprint to secure the user's information."

Word Variants:

• Fingerprinting (noun/verb): The process of taking fingerprints or the method used for identifying individuals based on their fingerprints.
  • Example: "Fingerprinting is a common practice in criminal investigations."

Different Meanings:

1. Literal: The actual print made by a finger.
2. Figurative: Any unique feature or characteristic that identifies something or someone.

Synonyms:

• Mark
• Impression
• Identifier
• Trait

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs involving "fingerprint," you might hear phrases like:
  • "The project had her fingerprints all over it." (Meaning she was significantly involved in the project.)

Summary:

The word "fingerprint" can refer both to the unique patterns left by fingers and to the unique characteristics that identify a person or object. It is commonly used in law enforcement, technology, and everyday language to describe involvement or influence.

Academic

Noun

1. a smudge made by a (dirty) finger
2. a generic term for any identifying characteristic
   • that tax bill had the senator's fingerprints all over it
3. a print made by an impression of the ridges in the skin of a finger; often used for biometric identification in criminal investigations

Verb

1. take an impression of a person's fingerprints

Synonyms

• fingermark