Fingerprint: meaning, definitions and examples

🕵️‍♂️
Add to dictionary

fingerprint

 

[ ˈfɪŋɡərˌprɪnt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

biometrics

A fingerprint is the unique pattern of ridges and valleys on the surface of a fingertip. It is widely used as a means of identifying individuals due to its uniqueness and permanence.

Synonyms

digitprint, thumbprint.

Examples of usage

  • The police used the fingerprint to identify the suspect.
  • Biometric security systems often rely on fingerprint recognition.
  • She left her fingerprint on the glass, indicating she had touched it.
  • Forensic experts found several fingerprints at the crime scene.
Context #2 | Noun

security

In computer security, a fingerprint may refer to a unique identifier for a user or device. It is often used in digital forensics to trace actions back to an individual.

Synonyms

digital signature, identifier.

Examples of usage

  • The software generated a digital fingerprint of the device.
  • Each transaction leaves a unique fingerprint in the system.
  • Digital fingerprints can help track online activities.
  • A user's digital fingerprint can enhance security protocols.

Translations

Translations of the word "fingerprint" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impressão digital

🇮🇳 अंगुली के निशान

🇩🇪 Fingerabdruck

🇮🇩 sidik jari

🇺🇦 відбиток пальця

🇵🇱 odcisk palca

🇯🇵 指紋 (しもん)

🇫🇷 empreinte digitale

🇪🇸 huella dactilar

🇹🇷 parmak izi

🇰🇷 지문 (jimum)

🇸🇦 بصمة إصبع (baṣmat 'iṣba)

🇨🇿 otisk prstu

🇸🇰 otlačok prsta

🇨🇳 指纹 (zhǐwén)

🇸🇮 prstni odtis

🇮🇸 fingraf

🇰🇿 саусақ іздері (sau saq izderi)

🇬🇪 ბეჭის ანაბეჭდი (bech'is anabechdi)

🇦🇿 barmaq izi

🇲🇽 huella dactilar

Etymology

The term 'fingerprint' originated from the notion of marking or identifying something with a finger. The word 'finger' has Germanic roots, from the Old English 'finge,' while 'print' derives from the Latin 'punctus,' meaning 'point.' The first known uses of fingerprinting for identification purposes date back to ancient Babylon, where fingerprints were used on clay tablets for transactions. However, the modern use of fingerprints for personal identification began in the late 19th century with the work of Sir Francis Galton, who studied the uniqueness of fingerprints, and later, in 1901, with the implementation of fingerprint systems in law enforcement by police officer Edward Henry. Today, fingerprints are a crucial aspect of modern security and forensic science, revered for their detailed uniqueness and reliability.