Definition

1. Noun:

   • A unique pattern of ridges on the skin of a fingertip: The impression or mark left by these ridges, used as a means of identification.
   • Any distinctive or identifying mark or characteristic: A unique feature that serves to identify the origin or author of something.

2. Verb:

   • To record someone's fingerprints: To take an impression of the ridges on a person's fingertips, typically for official identification purposes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The detective found a clear fingerprint on the glass.
  • His unique writing style is the literary fingerprint of all his novels.
• Verb:
  • All arrested individuals will be photographed and fingerprinted.
  • The new employees were fingerprinted for security clearance.

Advanced Usage

• "to have one's fingerprints all over something" (idiom): To bear clear signs of someone's involvement or influence.
  • The innovative design had the lead engineer's fingerprints all over it.
• "digital fingerprint": A unique set of data or characteristics that identifies a digital device or user.
  • The website collects a digital fingerprint from your browser for tracking.

Variants and Related Words

• Fingerprinting (n): The action or process of taking fingerprints.
  • The suspect was taken in for fingerprinting.
• Fingerprinted (adj): Having had one's fingerprints taken.
  • The fingerprinted applicant can now proceed.

Synonyms

• Print (n): A mark or impression.
• Hallmark (n): A distinctive feature, especially one of excellence.
• Identifier (n): A person or thing that establishes identity.

Related Phrases

• Latent fingerprint: A fingerprint not visible to the naked eye, made by sweat or oils, requiring development to be seen.
  • Forensic experts used powder to reveal the latent fingerprint.
• Fingerprint analysis: The examination and comparison of fingerprints.
  • Fingerprint analysis confirmed his presence at the scene.

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