DNA fingerprinting

noun

: a technique used especially for identification (as for forensic purposes) by extracting and identifying the base-pair pattern in an individual's DNA

called also DNA typing

DNA fingerprint noun

Examples of DNA fingerprinting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web No matter how small or dried-out a bloodstain is, forensic scientists can now gather enough genetic material to do DNA fingerprinting. Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, 20 Oct. 2022 Investigators performed DNA fingerprinting on the bacteria in the sick people’s samples and found that they were closely related genetically. David Williams, CNN, 5 Aug. 2021 Moving from a DNA fingerprinting technique drilled into lab techs over decades to a new method with a new machine with its own quirks is not a trivial hurdle, says Danny Hellwig, who operates a not-for-profit crime lab in Utah dedicated to using next-generation sequencing to solve cold cases. Megan Molteni, Wired, 16 Dec. 2020 Fellow Brit Alec Jeffreys used the technique to develop DNA fingerprinting, which can distinguish individuals from each other. Inside Science Staff, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'DNA fingerprinting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of DNA fingerprinting was in 1984

Dictionary Entries Near DNA fingerprinting

Cite this Entry

“DNA fingerprinting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA%20fingerprinting. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

DNA fingerprinting

noun
: a method of identification (as for forensic purposes) by determining the unique pattern of a person's DNA
DNA fingerprint noun

Medical Definition

DNA fingerprinting

noun
: a technique used especially for identification (as for forensic purposes) by extracting and identifying the base-pair pattern of an individual's DNA

called also DNA typing, genetic fingerprinting

Legal Definition

DNA fingerprinting

noun
ˌdē-ˌen-ˈā-
: a method of identification especially for evidentiary purposes by analyzing and comparing the DNA from tissue samples

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