fingerprint

/ˈfɪŋɡərˌprɪnt/
noun
  1. The unique pattern of ridges on the tip of a finger, used for identification.
    • The detective found a fingerprint on the glass.
    • She left her fingerprint on the doorknob.
    • Everyone has a different fingerprint, even identical twins.
  2. A distinctive mark or characteristic that identifies something or someone.
    • Each species of bird has a vocal fingerprint that experts can recognize.
    • The software leaves a digital fingerprint on the files it creates.
    • The artist's style is a unique fingerprint on every painting.
verb
  1. To take someone's fingerprints, usually for identification or police records.
    • They fingerprinted the witness to compare with prints found at the scene.
    • All new employees are fingerprinted for security purposes.
    • The police officer fingerprinted the suspect at the station.
  2. To mark or identify something with a distinctive feature.
    • The software fingerprints each document to prevent forgery.
    • The app fingerprints your device to keep your account safe.
    • Scientists fingerprint different chemicals using a spectrometer.
What does "fingerprint" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean