fingerprint
Crime scene residue
A fingerprint is the pattern of ridges on the tip of a finger, unique to each person and used for identification.
Police lift fingerprints from crime scenes; phones and laptops use fingerprint scanners for security.
Figuratively, a fingerprint is any distinctive identifying mark: The attack bore the fingerprint of state-sponsored hackers.
To fingerprint someone is to record their prints.
Spiral arrangement of ridges
- loopCurve closing on itself
- archCurved spanning structure
- ridgeNarrow raised strip
- minutiaePetty precise particulars
delta · core · bifurcation · ending · island · crossover · spur · dot
Present but inactive
- dustingRemoving surface grime
- powderFine dry particles
- liftMechanism for vertical transport
- analysisMethodical study of parts
AFIS · examiner · comparison · identification · partial · smudge · visible · plastic
Device that reads data
- sensorInput-detecting device
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- enrollmentAct of registering officially
- recognitionPerceiving something as known
verification · template · matching · database · algorithm · livescan · capacitive · optical
Sanctioned time away
- smudgeUnclear dirty mark
- markVisible impression or sign
- residueMatter left behind
- oilSlippery viscous fluid
impression · surface · glass · doorknob · weapon · wipe · clean · partial
Only one exists
- individualityUnique personal character
- identificationEstablishing who someone is
- distinctiveReadily identifiable, set apart
- personalRelating to one's self
singular · unmistakable · indelible · permanent · lifelong · genetic · individual · one-of-a-kind
Handwritten name for verification
- hallmarkDistinguishing characteristic or mark
- trademarkRegistered commercial identifier
- stampMark-making device
- markVisible impression or sign
characteristic · telltale · watermark · DNA · genetic · carbon · digital · ecological
Open a secured closure
- smartphoneHandheld connected computer
- safeFree from peril
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- authorizationFormal permission granted
encrypted · protected · secure · two-factor · passport · bank · ATM · laptop
whorl
Spiral arrangement of ridges
minutiae · delta · core · bifurcation · ending · island · crossover · spur · dot · papillary
latent
Present but inactive
analysis · AFIS · examiner · comparison · identification · partial · smudge · visible · plastic · patent
scanner
Device that reads data
- sensorInput-detecting device
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- enrollmentAct of registering officially
recognition · verification · template · matching · database · algorithm · livescan · capacitive · optical · ultrasonic
leave
Sanctioned time away
oil · impression · surface · glass · doorknob · weapon · wipe · clean · partial · found
unique
Only one exists
- individualityUnique personal character
- identificationEstablishing who someone is
- distinctiveReadily identifiable, set apart
personal · singular · unmistakable · indelible · permanent · lifelong · genetic · individual · one-of-a-kind · irreplaceable
signature
Handwritten name for verification
- hallmarkDistinguishing characteristic or mark
- trademarkRegistered commercial identifier
- stampMark-making device
mark · characteristic · telltale · watermark · DNA · genetic · carbon · digital · ecological
unlock
Open a secured closure
- smartphoneHandheld connected computer
- safeFree from peril
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
authorization · encrypted · protected · secure · two-factor · passport · bank · ATM · laptop · device
- compound wordsbookmark, breakdown, sunlight, breakup, snowflake
- crime investigationdetective, whodunit, investigation, detectives, investigator
- FBIFBI, agent, special agent, bureau, FBI Academy
- Access Methodspassword, PIN, key card, master key, swiping card
- authenticationpassword, login, logout, ID, badge
- body part wordsAdam's apple, anklebone, armpit, backbone, belly button
fingerprintanonymity
Unknown identity state
untraceable · unidentifiable · blank · anonymous · blank slate
- fingerprint analysisIdentifying people by digit patterns
- fingerprint scanIdentity verification via fingertip
- fingerprint scannerDevice reading digit patterns
- DNA fingerprintingTechnique identifying individuals genetically
- fingerprint readerRidge pattern recognition device
- fingerprint sensorDevice reading ridge patterns
fingerprints, fingerprinted, fingerprinting, fingerprint analysis