DNA fingerprint
1
4.2
- noun
- /diˌɛnˈeɪ ˈfɪŋɡərˌprɪnt/
- Specialized
:
huella de ADN
- After several replications, there is an increasingly long trail of DNA insertions, which can be used as a DNA fingerprint.
- using a DNA fingerprint
Examples
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The Patrick Point animals were so similar that individuals could not be distinguished within populations by their DNA fingerprints.
Academic text (1996) -
It's the same technology that forensics experts use to identify DNA fingerprints in blood, hair, or other biological samples.
Academic text (2003) -
We're running a DNA fingerprint now.
Fiction book (1999) -
DNA fingerprint.
Academic text (1995) -
The final DNA fingerprint is built by using several probes (5-10 or more) simultaneously.
Academic text (1995) -
Adding radioactive or colored probes to the nylon sheet produces a pattern called the DNA fingerprint.
Academic text (1995) -
The possibility of exogenous reinfection with a resistant strain of M. tuberculosis is also discounted by the DNA fingerprint findings.
Academic text (1999) -
Another issue left for research is completing a DNA fingerprint library of boll weevils so that when one reappears in an eradicated area, its source can be identified.
Academic text (2003) -
DNA fingerprints show that both wild and captive deer in Michigan are infected with the identical strain of M. bovis recovered from coyotes, raccoons, a bear, and cattle.
Academic text (2000) -
Forensic scientists analyzed the DNA fingerprint found at the crime scene to identify the suspect.
Synonyms
1
5.4
A unique pattern in a person's DNA used to identify them
1
4.1
A test that uses DNA from blood or saliva to find who someone is
Testing DNA from a sample to identify a person or family links
How Specific
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly composed from 'DNA' (hereditary molecule) and 'fingerprint' (an identifying pattern), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to using unique DNA patterns for identification. The metaphorical extension of 'fingerprint' to any unique identifying pattern is common and follows a straightforward compounding pattern, making the term transparent.
Etymology
DNA fingerprint compares a person's unique DNA pattern to a human fingerprint, giving a clear picture of identity that is different for each person. So, scientists read the DNA pattern like a print to 'identify' someone, and the phrase means 'a genetic ID' used to match a person to evidence or to check family links.