dna fingerprint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “dna fingerprint” mean?
A unique pattern of DNA fragments obtained from a biological sample, used for identification.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unique pattern of DNA fragments obtained from a biological sample, used for identification.
A technique or the result of analyzing specific, highly variable regions of a person's or organism's DNA to create a profile that is virtually unique to that individual, akin to a traditional fingerprint.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Both variants use the term identically.
Connotations
Identical technical and forensic connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in scientific and legal journalism in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “dna fingerprint” in a Sentence
The police performed DNA fingerprinting ON the sample.The lab matched the DNA fingerprint FROM the crime scene TO the suspect.DNA fingerprinting OF the remains provided identification.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dna fingerprint” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The forensic team will DNA fingerprint the recovered material.
- All samples from the scene have been DNA fingerprinted.
American English
- The lab is set to DNA fingerprint the evidence.
- They DNA fingerprinted the blood sample for the trial.
adjective
British English
- The DNA-fingerprint evidence was compelling.
- They reviewed the DNA fingerprint results.
American English
- The DNA fingerprint analysis proved crucial.
- He is an expert in DNA fingerprint technology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biotech or forensic service companies (e.g., 'Our firm specializes in rapid DNA fingerprinting for paternity testing.').
Academic
Common in genetics, molecular biology, forensic science, and criminology journals and textbooks.
Everyday
Used in news reports about crime, paternity disputes, or historical identification.
Technical
The primary register. Precisely denotes the RFLP or PCR-based analysis technique for individual identification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dna fingerprint”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dna fingerprint”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dna fingerprint”
- Using it as a verb incorrectly ('They DNA fingerprinted the suspect' is informal; 'They performed DNA fingerprinting on the suspect' is standard).
- Spelling as 'DNA-fingerprint' (hyphenated form is less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While not theoretically 100% unique for identical twins, the probability of two unrelated individuals sharing the same DNA fingerprint from multiple loci is astronomically low, making it functionally unique for forensic purposes.
DNA fingerprinting analyses specific variable regions to create a comparative profile for identification. DNA sequencing determines the exact order of nucleotides in a DNA strand, providing comprehensive genetic information for research or medical diagnosis.
Yes, it is a standard method. A child's DNA fingerprint will share bands with both biological parents, allowing for paternity and maternity determination.
The technique was pioneered by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester in 1984.
A unique pattern of DNA fragments obtained from a biological sample, used for identification.
Dna fingerprint is usually technical/scientific, journalistic in register.
Dna fingerprint: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdiːˌɛnˈeɪ ˈfɪŋɡəprɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdiːˌɛnˈeɪ ˈfɪŋɡərˌprɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's in their DNA (figurative, not technical).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Just as the ridges on your fingertip are unique, the 'bands' on a DNA gel from specific regions of your genome are your molecular fingerprint.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDENTIFICATION IS A FINGERPRINT (Source Domain: Physical uniqueness; Target Domain: Genetic uniqueness).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a DNA fingerprint?