dermatoglyphics

noun

der·​ma·​to·​glyph·​ics ˌdər-mə-tə-ˈgli-fiks How to pronounce dermatoglyphics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: skin patterns
especially : patterns of the specialized skin of the inferior surfaces of the hands and feet
2
: the science of the study of skin patterns
dermatoglyphic adjective

Word History

Etymology

dermat- + Greek glyphein to carve + English -ics — more at cleave

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dermatoglyphics was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near dermatoglyphics

Cite this Entry

“Dermatoglyphics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dermatoglyphics. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

dermatoglyphics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
der·​ma·​to·​glyph·​ics ˌdər-mət-ə-ˈglif-iks How to pronounce dermatoglyphics (audio)
1
: skin patterns
especially : patterns of the specialized skin of the inferior surfaces of the hands and feet
2
: the science of the study of skin patterns
dermatoglyphic adjective

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