dermatoglyphics

dermatoglyphics [ˌdɜːmətəʊˈglɪfɪks]

pl n

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) the lines forming a skin pattern, esp on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet

2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) (functioning as singular) the study of such skin patterns

[from dermato- + Greek gluphē a carving; see glyph]

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dermatoglyphics

1. the patterns of ridges of skin on the fingers and palm and the bottoms of the feet.
2. the study dealing with these patterns. — dermatoglyphic, adj.

See also: Skin

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

dermatoglyphics - the study of the whorls and loops and arches in the fingertips and on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet; "some criminologists specialize in dermatoglyphics" bioscience, life science - any of the branches of natural science dealing with the structure and behavior of living organisms