Definition

Noun: 1. The process of recording fingerprints: The standard procedure of taking and recording the unique, inked impressions of the ridges on a person's fingertips, primarily for the purpose of establishing or verifying identity.

Usage

Fingerprinting is a formal, technical term used in legal, forensic, and security contexts. It refers to the specific act of capturing a fingerprint record. * The police station has a dedicated room for the fingerprinting of suspects and new hires. * Modern fingerprinting often uses digital scanners instead of ink and paper.

Examples

• The job application process includes a background check and fingerprinting.
• Advances in forensic science have made fingerprinting a more precise tool for identification.
• The fingerprinting of all visitors is a mandatory security protocol at the high-security facility.

Advanced Usage

• Genetic/DNA fingerprinting: A metaphorical extension of the term. It refers to a laboratory technique used to identify individuals by analyzing unique patterns in their DNA, rather than using actual fingerprints.
  • Genetic fingerprinting was crucial evidence in the court case.

Variants and Related Words

• Fingerprint (noun): The unique pattern of ridges on a fingertip, or the impression of this pattern.
  • The detective found a clear fingerprint on the glass.
• Fingerprint (verb): To take the fingerprints of someone.
  • The suspect was photographed and fingerprinted upon arrest.
• Fingerprinted (adjective): Describing someone who has undergone the fingerprinting process.
  • Only fingerprinted personnel are allowed access.

Synonyms

• Dactylography (a more technical, less common synonym)
• Taking fingerprints

Related Phrases

• To run fingerprints: To submit collected fingerprints to a database for comparison and identification.
  • The officer ran the fingerprints through the national database.

Noun

1. the procedure of taking inked impressions of a person's fingerprints for the purpose of identification