fingerprint

fingerprint /fin·ger·print/ (-print)

1. an impression of the cutaneous ridges of the fleshy distal portion of a finger.

2. in biochemistry, the characteristic pattern of a peptide after subjection to an analytical technique.

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fin·ger·print (fnggr-prnt)

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.

1. To take fingerprints of.

2. To identify by a distinctive mark or characteristic.

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fingerprint,

an image left on a smooth surface by the pattern of the pad of a distal phalanx. The distinctive pattern of loops and whorls represents the fine ridges marking the skin. Because each individual's fingerprints are unique, a classification system of the patterns is useful in identifying individuals.

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fingerprint

see restriction fragment length polymorphism.