latent prints
Unseen finger marks
Latent prints are fingerprints or other skin impressions not visible to the naked eye, left behind when oils and sweat transfer from skin to a surface.
Crime scene investigators reveal them using powders, chemicals, or alternative light sources.
The detective dusted for latent prints on the doorknob.
Distinguished from patent prints, which are visible without processing.
- dustingRemoving surface grime
- black powderOriginal firearm propellant
- crime sceneLocation of an offense
- crime labEvidence examination facility
- forensicPertaining to legal investigation
powder · ridge · whorl · loop · arch · evidence · invisible · hidden · surface · lift · brush · tape · CSI · detective · identification · smudge · oil · sweat