biometrics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Academic/Formal
Quick answer
What does “biometrics” mean?
The measurement and statistical analysis of people's unique physical and behavioral characteristics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The measurement and statistical analysis of people's unique physical and behavioral characteristics.
The technology and methods used for identifying individuals based on these characteristics for authentication, security, or surveillance purposes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor differences in collocational preferences. British English may slightly favour 'biometric data' in formal documents, while American English often uses 'biometric identifiers' in tech/security contexts. The core term is identical.
Connotations
Neutral-to-positive in security/tech contexts (convenience, safety). Can carry negative connotations related to privacy invasion, state surveillance, and data vulnerability in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects within technical, security, and IT domains. Slightly more common in American English in mainstream commercial tech reporting.
Grammar
How to Use “biometrics” in a Sentence
[use/employ/deploy] biometrics [for/to][rely on/depend on] biometrics[collect/gather] biometrics[secure/protect] biometrics[biometrics] [is/are] [used/required]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “biometrics” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The biometric system at the border is being upgraded.
- They introduced new biometric controls for airport staff.
American English
- Biometric screening is now required for all employees.
- The device uses biometric authentication to grant access.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Our new phones will feature advanced biometrics for user security.
Academic
The study critiques the ethical implications of large-scale biometric data collection.
Everyday
I use the fingerprint biometrics to unlock my laptop.
Technical
The algorithm matches minutiae points from the captured biometrics against the stored template.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “biometrics”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “biometrics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “biometrics”
- Using a plural verb with 'biometrics' when referring to the field (e.g., 'Biometrics are a complex field' - prefer 'Biometrics is...').
- Confusing 'biometrics' (the data/technology) with 'biometry' (the statistical application to biology).
- Misspelling as 'biometricks' or 'biometrix'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. When referring to the field of study or technology, it's treated as singular ('Biometrics is evolving'). When referring to the specific measurements/data, it's often treated as plural ('Your biometrics are stored securely').
'Biometrics' (in modern use) is about identifying individuals via body measurements. 'Biostatistics' is the application of statistics to biological and medical data.
They are generally more secure than passwords alone, as they are unique to the individual. However, they are not foolproof; biometric data can be spoofed or stolen, and unlike a password, you cannot change your fingerprint or iris if compromised.
Common types include fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, iris or retina scanning, voice recognition, and hand geometry.
The measurement and statistical analysis of people's unique physical and behavioral characteristics.
Biometrics is usually technical/academic/formal in register.
Biometrics: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.əʊˈmet.rɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.oʊˈme.trɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The eyes have it (referring to iris recognition)”
- “A face in the crowd (contrasting anonymity with facial recognition)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BIO-METRICS: BIO (life/body) + METRICS (measurements) = measuring body characteristics.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A KEY / THE BODY IS A PASSWORD / IDENTITY IS A PHYSICAL PATTERN.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a form of biometrics?