Fingerprints

fin·ger·print   (fĭng'gər-prĭnt')    n.   An impression on a surface of the curves formed by the ridges on a fingertip, especially such an impression made in ink and used as a means of identification. A distinctive or identifying mark or characteristic: "the invisible fingerprint that's used on labels and packaging to sort out genuine products from counterfeits" (Gene G. Marcial). A DNA fingerprint. A chemical fingerprint. tr.v.   fin·ger·print·ed, fin·ger·print·ing, fin·ger·prints To take the fingerprints of. To identify by means of a distinctive mark or characteristic.

fingerprint

The impression or mark left by the underside of the tips of the fingers or thumbs. The impression is formed by a pattern of ridges on the skin surface. This pattern is unique for each individual and therefore can serve as a means of identification. (Compare DNA fingerprinting.)

Note: Fingerprinting is used extensively in criminal investigation, but it is also used as a means of identification by many organizations.

fingerprint

In technical analysis, the individual way that a particular stock trades. Technical analysts believe that an understanding of a security's fingerprint allows the investor to detect unusual variations in volume or changes in price that would signal a buying or selling opportunity.

Main Entry: fin·ger·print
Function: noun
: 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 —fingerprint transitive verb —fin·ger·print·ing noun

Main Entry: ²fingerprint
Function: vt
: to analyze (as spectrographically or chromatographically) in order to determine uniquely the identifyingcharacteristics, origin, or constitution of fingerprinted and found to be unique> —fin·ger·print·ing noun

fingerprint fin·ger·print (fĭng'gər-prĭnt')
n.

1. An impression on a surface of the curves formed by the ridges on a fingertip, especially such an impression made in ink and used as a means of identification.

2. A distinctive or identifying mark or characteristic.

3. An analytical method capable of making fine distinctions between similar compounds.

v. fin·ger·print·ed, fin·ger·print·ing, fin·ger·prints

1. To take fingerprints of.

2. To identify by a distinctive mark or characteristic.