dna fingerprinting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dna fingerprinting” mean?
A technique for identifying individuals based on the unique patterns of their DNA, often used in forensic science and paternity testing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A technique for identifying individuals based on the unique patterns of their DNA, often used in forensic science and paternity testing.
In broader usage, any analytical technique that identifies unique patterns or characteristics of a person, system, or object, often used metaphorically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of 'fingerprinting' is consistent.
Connotations
Both use the term with identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to scientific, forensic, and legal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dna fingerprinting” in a Sentence
undergo DNA fingerprintingconduct DNA fingerprinting on [object]use DNA fingerprinting to [verb]the DNA fingerprinting of [noun]DNA fingerprinting proved [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dna fingerprinting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The samples were sent to the lab to be DNA fingerprinted.
- Authorities can now DNA fingerprint suspects more rapidly.
American English
- The lab will DNA fingerprint the evidence from the crime scene.
- They DNA fingerprinted the remains to confirm identity.
adverb
British English
- This is not commonly used as an adverb.
- N/A
American English
- This is not commonly used as an adverb.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The DNA fingerprinting results were presented in court.
- They relied on DNA fingerprinting technology.
American English
- The DNA fingerprinting analysis was conclusive.
- He is an expert in DNA fingerprinting procedures.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in biotech company reports or patent discussions.
Academic
Common in genetics, forensic science, and biology textbooks and journals.
Everyday
Very rare; most people encounter it in news stories about crime or paternity cases.
Technical
The primary context; standard term in forensic reports, scientific papers, and lab protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dna fingerprinting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dna fingerprinting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dna fingerprinting”
- Writing 'DNA-fingerprinting' with a hyphen (open compound is standard).
- Using it as a verb without context ('They DNA fingerprinted him' is informal/technical; 'They performed DNA fingerprinting on him' is more standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Broadly yes, but 'DNA fingerprinting' specifically refers to the technique used to create a unique DNA profile, often for identification. A 'DNA test' is a more general term that could include health or ancestry testing.
Traditional DNA fingerprinting/profiling is designed for identification, not for determining traits like eye colour. Specialised genetic tests are required for that.
The technique was invented by British geneticist Sir Alec Jeffreys in 1984 at the University of Leicester.
The technique itself is extremely reliable, but accuracy depends on sample quality, laboratory procedures, and correct statistical interpretation of the results to avoid false matches.
A technique for identifying individuals based on the unique patterns of their DNA, often used in forensic science and paternity testing.
Dna fingerprinting is usually technical / scientific in register.
Dna fingerprinting: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdiːˌɛnˈeɪ ˈfɪŋɡəprɪntɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdiːˌɛnˈeɪ ˈfɪŋɡərprɪntɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[metaphorical] The chemical signature was like a DNA fingerprinting for the pollutant's source.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a regular fingerprint being unique to a person; DNA fingerprinting does the same but uses your genetic code.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNIQUENESS AS A FINGERPRINT (The unique pattern of DNA is metaphorically a fingerprint).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary field of application for DNA fingerprinting?