dermatoglyphics

noun

der·​ma·​to·​glyph·​ics ˌdər-mə-tə-ˈgli-fiks 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

: skin patterns

especially : patterns of the specialized skin of the inferior surfaces of the hands and feet

2

: the science of the study of skin patterns

dermatoglyphic

ˌdər-mə-tə-ˈgli-fik 

adjective

Word History

Etymology

dermat- + Greek glyphein to carve + English -ics — more at cleave

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

dermatoglyphics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

der·​ma·​to·​glyph·​ics ˌdər-mət-ə-ˈglif-iks 

1

: skin patterns

especially : patterns of the specialized skin of the inferior surfaces of the hands and feet

2

: the science of the study of skin patterns

dermatoglyphic

-ik 

adjective