fingerprint

noun

fin·ger·print | \ ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint

Definition of fingerprint

1 : the impression of a fingertip on any surface also : an ink impression of the lines upon the fingertip taken for the purpose of identification

2 : something that identifies: such as

a : a trait, trace, or characteristic revealing origin or responsibility

b : analytical evidence (such as a spectrogram) that characterizes an object or substance especially : the chromatogram or electrophoretogram obtained by cleaving a protein by enzymatic action and subjecting the resulting collection of peptides to two-dimensional chromatography or electrophoresis

c : the base-pair pattern in an individual's DNA obtained by DNA fingerprinting

Other Words from fingerprint Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About fingerprint

Examples of fingerprint in a Sentence

Detectives found his fingerprints all over the gun. Everyone has a unique fingerprint.

Recent Examples on the Web The top row is just a bunch of function keys, like Shift, a fingerprint reader, and Android navigation buttons. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 28 Apr. 2022 That's not a great configuration in 2022, but 128GB/8GB and 256GB/8GB models are also expected to be offered for $699 and $899 respectively, and both will include a fingerprint reader. — Matthew Humphries, PCMAG, 13 Apr. 2022 That includes a dual in-display fingerprint sensor system. — Chris Smith, BGR, 19 Apr. 2022 Thankfully, the fingerprint sensor is now in a better location. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 18 Apr. 2022 The back includes a camera stack with 12MP and 5MP shooters, as well as a fingerprint sensor. — PCMAG, 15 Mar. 2022 The new phone, which resembles the older iPhone 8, comes with a physical home button, TouchID fingerprint sensor, 5G wireless connectivity, and a 12-megapixel camera. — Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2022 The new $599 iPad Air looks virtually identical to its predecessor—Touch ID fingerprint-sensor in the power button, flat sides and a 10.9-inch display. — Nicole Nguyen, WSJ, 8 Mar. 2022 Red Raiders are known for defense, but the way Adams blended all the new faces showcased his able fingerprint. — Bryce Miller Columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fingerprint.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries Near fingerprint

fingerpost

fingerprint

fingerprinting

Statistics for fingerprint

Last Updated

19 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Fingerprint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingerprint. Accessed 26 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for fingerprint

fingerprint

noun

fin·ger·print | \ ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌprint

Kids Definition of fingerprint

(Entry 1 of 2)

: the unique pattern of marks made by pressing the tip of a finger on a surface

fingerprint

verb

fingerprinted; fingerprinting

Kids Definition of fingerprint (Entry 2 of 2)

: to obtain fingerprints in order to identify a person

fingerprint

noun

fin·ger·print | \ -ˌprint

Medical Definition of fingerprint

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the impression of a fingertip on any surface especially : an ink impression of the lines on the fingertip taken for purpose of identification

2 : analytical evidence (as a spectrogram) that characterizes an object or substance especially : the chromatogram or electrophoretogram obtained by cleaving a protein by enzymatic action and subjecting the resulting collection of peptides to two-dimensional chromatography or electrophoresis — compare dna fingerprinting

fingerprint

transitive verb

Medical Definition of fingerprint (Entry 2 of 2)

: to analyze (as spectrographically or chromatographically) in order to determine uniquely the identifying characteristics, origin, or constitution of each protein was fingerprinted

fingerprint

noun

fin·ger·print

Legal Definition of fingerprint

: the impression of a fingertip on any surface also : an ink impression of the lines upon the fingertip taken for the purpose of identification (as during the booking procedure following an arrest) — see also dna fingerprinting