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Fingerprint: Definition, Examples & Common Uses (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：unique finger pattern (fingerprint)
fingerprint
/ˈfɪŋɡərprɪnt/
n.
The unique pattern of lines on the tip of your finger, or the mark this pattern leaves on something you touch.
unique finger pattern
➕
/ˈjuː.nɪk ˈfɪŋ.ɡər ˈpæt.ərn/
n.
The distinctive pattern of ridges on a human fingertip, used for identification purposes.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Compound word: 'finger' (a digit on the hand) + 'print' (a mark made by pressure).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of your finger's print as a personal ID stamp that's one of a kind.
📖 Example
The detective carefully dusted the glass for fingerprints to find out who was in the room.
The detective searched for fingerprints on the glass to identify the person who was in the room.
🔗 Collocations
take fingerprints – to record someone's fingerprints for identification purposes
fingerprint analysis – the examination of fingerprints for forensic investigation
fingerprint evidence – fingerprints used as proof in legal cases
🔄 Synonyms
thumbprint (n.) – a fingerprint made specifically by the thumb
dactylogram (n.) – a technical term for a fingerprint, often used in scientific contexts
🌱 Derivatives
fingerprinting (n.) – the process of taking and recording fingerprints
fingerprinted (v.) – past tense or past participle of fingerprint, meaning to have taken someone's fingerprints
📖 Cultural Story
The term 'fingerprint' emerged in the mid-19th century with the development of forensic science. Pioneered by Sir William Herschel and Sir Francis Galton for identification due to unique ridge patterns. Now essential in law enforcement and digital security as a biometric identifier.
Meaning 2：unique identifier (fingerprint)
fingerprint
/ˈfɪŋɡərprɪnt/
n.
Any unique and identifying feature or pattern of something or someone, used as a way to tell them apart.
unique identifier
➕
/ˈjuː.nɪk aɪˈden.tɪ.faɪ.ər/
n.
A distinctive characteristic or pattern that serves to uniquely identify an object, person, or entity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The cybersecurity expert explained that every piece of software has a unique digital fingerprint to verify its authenticity.
The cybersecurity expert stated that each software has a distinct digital fingerprint for authentication purposes.
🔗 Collocations
digital fingerprint – a unique set of data that identifies a digital entity or file
genetic fingerprint – a unique DNA pattern used for biological identification
fingerprint scanning – the process of using fingerprints for biometric authentication
🔄 Synonyms
signature (n.) – a distinctive mark or characteristic that identifies something uniquely
identifier (n.) – something that serves to identify or distinguish an entity
🚫 Antonyms
anonymity (n.) – the state of being unknown or unidentifiable
uniformity (n.) – the quality of being the same as others, lacking distinctiveness
Wordbook
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