Dactyloscopic

/ˌdæktɪloʊˈskɒpɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the study or examination of fingerprints as a method of identification.

Etymology

From Greek 'daktylos' (finger) and 'skopein' (to examine or look at), combined with the suffix '-ic' meaning 'relating to'.

Kelly Says

Fingerprint analysis became a legitimate science in the 1880s, replacing crude methods like hanging people suspected of theft—the discovery that fingerprints are unique to each person revolutionized criminal justice and is still used worldwide today.

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