Dactylograph

/ˈdæktɪləɡrɑːf/ noun

Definition

A device or instrument used to record, reproduce, or analyze fingerprints and their distinctive ridge patterns.

Etymology

From Greek daktylos (finger) + graphe (instrument for writing). This term appeared in the early 20th century as forensic technology developed specialized equipment.

Kelly Says

Modern dactylographs can scan your fingerprint in milliseconds and search through millions of records instantly—the technology that sounded like science fiction 50 years ago is now in every police station.

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