Fingerprinted

/ˈfɪŋɡərprɪntɪd/ verb, adjective

Definition

Recorded someone's fingerprints for identification purposes, usually for law enforcement or background checks.

Etymology

Compound of 'finger' and 'print,' referring to the unique ridge patterns on fingertips. Fingerprinting for identification became systematic in the late 1800s.

Kelly Says

Your fingerprints are literally impossible to fake—they're formed by random wrinkles in your skin in the womb and never change, which is why fingerprinting was revolutionary for catching criminals, but also why fingerprint databases raise privacy concerns today.

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