Handprint

/ˈhændprɪnt/ noun

Definition

A mark or impression made by a hand, usually showing the palm and fingers.

Etymology

From 'hand' (Old English 'hond') combined with 'print' (from Middle English 'prenten,' possibly from Old French 'preinte' meaning pressure or mark). Modern compound that literally describes what it is.

Kelly Says

Ancient humans left handprints on cave walls 40,000 years ago—basically saying 'I was here'—and today handprints are still one of our oldest and most personal ways to claim identity, which is why we take baby handprints and why forensic scientists can solve crimes with them.

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