genetic fingerprinting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical/Scientific, Formal (also in news/journalism)
Quick answer
What does “genetic fingerprinting” mean?
A technique for identifying individuals by analyzing unique patterns in their DNA.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A technique for identifying individuals by analyzing unique patterns in their DNA.
Can also refer metaphorically to any process of unique identification or tracing of origin based on distinctive, inherent characteristics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use the term identically. The metaphor 'DNA fingerprint' is equally common in both.
Connotations
None specific to region.
Frequency
Frequency is similar, with perhaps slightly higher usage in UK media historically due to early high-profile cases.
Grammar
How to Use “genetic fingerprinting” in a Sentence
The police used genetic fingerprinting [to identify the suspect].Genetic fingerprinting [of the samples] proved his innocence.The suspect was identified [by genetic fingerprinting].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “genetic fingerprinting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sample was sent to the lab to be genetically fingerprinted.
- Authorities are seeking to genetically fingerprint the remains.
American English
- The evidence was submitted for DNA fingerprinting.
- They moved to genetically fingerprint the entire population of the endangered species.
adverb
British English
- The sample was identified genetically, via fingerprinting.
American English
- The suspect was linked to the crime genetically, through fingerprinting.
adjective
British English
- The genetic fingerprinting evidence was conclusive.
- They reviewed the genetic-fingerprinting report.
American English
- The DNA fingerprinting results came back positive.
- He is an expert in genetic fingerprinting technology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biotech or security companies (e.g., 'Our company specialises in genetic fingerprinting for pedigree verification in livestock.').
Academic
Common in genetics, forensic science, biology, and law journals. Used precisely to describe methodology.
Everyday
Used in news contexts about crime, paternity, or historical identification. Not typically used in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in lab reports, forensic documentation, and scientific papers, though 'DNA profiling' is now more standard.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “genetic fingerprinting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “genetic fingerprinting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “genetic fingerprinting”
- Incorrect: 'gene fingerprinting'. Correct: 'genetic fingerprinting'.
- Confusing it with general 'genetic testing' for diseases.
- Using it as a verb ('they genetic fingerprinted him') is non-standard; prefer 'they DNA-profiled him' or 'they used genetic fingerprinting on him'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It uses the same underlying DNA analysis principles, but 'paternity test' is a specific application. Genetic fingerprinting is the broader technique used for paternity testing, forensic identification, and more.
The technique itself is highly accurate for identification, but errors can occur due to sample contamination, human error in the lab, or misinterpretation of complex mixed samples.
Genetic fingerprinting looks at specific, highly variable non-coding regions to create a unique profile for identification. Genetic sequencing determines the exact order of nucleotides in a DNA strand, often to find genes or mutations related to traits or diseases.
The technique was developed in 1984 by British geneticist Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester.
A technique for identifying individuals by analyzing unique patterns in their DNA.
Genetic fingerprinting is usually technical/scientific, formal (also in news/journalism) in register.
Genetic fingerprinting: in British English it is pronounced /dʒəˌnet.ɪk ˈfɪŋ.ɡə.prɪn.tɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒəˌnet̬.ɪk ˈfɪŋ.ɡɚ.prɪn.t̬ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's in their DNA (metaphorical extension).”
- “A genetic calling card.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Just as your physical fingerprint is unique to you, your 'genetic fingerprint' is the unique pattern found in your DNA.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDENTITY IS A FINGERPRINT; DNA IS A UNIQUE CODE/BLUEPRINT.
Practice
Quiz
Which term is most synonymous with 'genetic fingerprinting' in modern forensic science?