genetic fingerprint
1
5.4
- noun
- /dʒəˈnɛtɪk ˈfɪŋɡərˌprɪnt/
- Specialized
:
huella genética
- She compared this genetic fingerprint with a tissue sample from the Maldivian whale and verified that the stranded animal was, in fact, I.
Examples
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In forensic investigations, a genetic fingerprint provides crucial evidence to link a suspect to a victim.
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By going after the BLO's genetic fingerprint, scientists can avoid confusing it with other disease-causing microbes such as other bacteria and fungi.
Academic text (1997) -
Or the hermits could have been driven south out of their range, leaving their genetic fingerprints behind.
Blog text (31) -
This method produces a genetic fingerprint that can be used to assess population connectivity.
Academic text (2009) -
Earlier this year, they devised a sensitive new diagnostic test for screening the tissues of leafhoppers and other insect suspects for evidence of the BLO's unique genetic fingerprint.
Academic text (1997) -
The police used a genetic fingerprint to identify the suspect from the DNA found at the crime scene.
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Each individual has a unique genetic fingerprint that can be revealed through DNA analysis for identification purposes.
Synonyms
1
7.1
To find which genes a person or sample has by testing DNA
1
4.2
A unique pattern in a person's DNA that identifies 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
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a unique identification pattern derived from DNA' follows directly from combining 'genetic' (relating to genes) with 'fingerprint' (a unique identifying pattern). This is a transparent, literal/metaphorical extension where the idea of a fingerprint is applied to genetic material—an easily inferable concept common across languages—so learners who know both constituents should understand it.
Etymology
Genetic fingerprint uses the image of a fingerprint to describe a person's DNA. Just as a fingerprint is a unique mark on the skin, DNA makes a unique pattern inside a person, so the phrase means a special pattern used to 'identify' someone.