handmarks
Traces from touching
Handmarks are prints or smudges left by hands on a surface—the greasy traces on glass doors, the dusty impressions on furniture, the evidence that someone touched something.
Unlike a deliberate handprint, handmarks are usually accidental: The window was covered in handmarks from the children.
The word also appears in contexts of handling or manual labor, where hands leave visible traces on materials.
Friction ridge impression
- handprintMark left by palm
- palm printImpression from inner hand
- thumbprintImpression from digit pad
- indentationInward cut or setback
impression · smudge · residue · outline · trace · stain · smear · whorl
Handwritten personal signature
- initialsAbbreviated personal letters
- inscriptionText permanently marked
- calligraphyOrnamental handwriting art
- penmanshipSkill of forming letters
flourish · sign · endorsement · authentication · seal · handwriting · script · monogram
Fired clay objects
- ceramicsHardened clay objects
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
- leatherworkCrafting with treated hides
glassblowing · metalwork · weaving · carving · molding · shaping · kneading · artisan
fingerprint
Friction ridge impression
- handprintMark left by palm
- palm printImpression from inner hand
- thumbprintImpression from digit pad
indentation · impression · smudge · residue · outline · trace · stain · smear · whorl · arch
autograph
Handwritten personal signature
- initialsAbbreviated personal letters
- inscriptionText permanently marked
- calligraphyOrnamental handwriting art
penmanship · flourish · sign · endorsement · authentication · seal · handwriting · script · monogram · countersign
pottery
Fired clay objects
- ceramicsHardened clay objects
- woodworkingCraft of shaping lumber
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
leatherwork · glassblowing · metalwork · weaving · carving · molding · shaping · kneading · artisan · handmade
handmarksfootprints
Marks left by walking
footmarks · shoe prints · pawprints · hoofprints · fingerprints
hand, hands, handed, handing, handy, handedness, mark, marks, marked