Term | Definition |
arch
\ˈärch\ | a wave or “hill” in the ridge pattern of a fingerprint; an arch pattern has no details |
composite
\käm-ˈpä-zət\ | a combination of patterns in the ridges of a fingerprint |
delta
\ˈdel-tə\ | a triangle shape in the ridge pattern of a fingerprint |
depth
\ˈdepth\ | how deep the pattern from a tire presses into the ground |
design
\di-ˈzīn\ | the pattern of the tread on a tire |
dye
\ˈdī\ | colour used to change the look of material |
evidence
\ˈe-və-dən(t)s\ | facts or signs that prove or support an idea |
examination
\ig-ˌza-mə-ˈnā-shən\ | to look closely at something to find out about its credentials |
fingerprint
\ˈfiŋ-gər -ˌprint\ | a mark made by the oil on a person’s finger that shows the pattern of ridges |
footprint
\ˈfu̇t -print\ | the mark left by someone’s foot or shoe when walking |
forge
\ˈfȯrj\ | to copy something like handwriting (usually illegal) |
investigation
\in-ˈves-tə-ˌgāt-shən\ | a careful study of something to find out the facts about it |
lifted
\ˈlift ˈed\ | found and taken off a surface for examination |
loop
\ˈlüp\ | a fingerprint ridge pattern where the lines come in from one side, make a balloon and leave out the same side |
ridges
\ˈrij ˈes\ | the bumpy lines on the pads of a person’s fingers |
shape
\ˈshāp\ | the outline of the mark made by something, e.g. a fire |
spacing
\ˈspās iŋ\ | the distance between the parts of a pattern , e.g., on a tire |
tracks
\ˈtrak ˈes\ | a set of prints left by something walking or moving |
tread pattern
\ˈtred pa-tərn\ | the bumpy marks (raised pattern) on the surface of a tire that helps it to grip the road |
whorl
\wȯr(-ə)l\ | a spiral that goes round and round in the ridge pattern of a fingerprint |