imprinting

noun

im·​print·​ing ˈim-ˌprin-tiŋ 

im-ˈprin-

: a rapid learning process that takes place early in the life of a social animal (such as a goose) and establishes a behavior pattern (such as recognition of and attraction to its own kind or a substitute)

Examples of imprinting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Remove all contents to prevent imprinting, then lightly stuff the bag with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creasing and help retain the bag’s shape. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2024

Fundamental viscosity data are reported using a ball penetration technique, and subsequently employed to demonstrate the fabrication of micro-optical devices by thermal imprinting. —Gairika Mitra, Interesting Engineering, 27 June 2024

The worry is that if people receive annual COVID-19 boosters, like health officials recommend for influenza, immune imprinting could make the population vulnerable when a new coronavirus, or even another similar virus, starts to spread again, the researchers said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 May 2024

Researchers from Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis evaluated the ability of the COVID-19 shots to build up memory in the immune system through a process called immune imprinting. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

imprinting

noun

im·​print·​ing ˈim-ˌprint-iŋ 

im-ˈprint-

: a rapid learning process that takes place early in the life of a social animal (as a goose) and that results in the formation of a special way of behaving (as knowing and being attracted to one's own kind)

Medical Definition

imprinting

noun

im·​print·​ing ˈim-ˌprint-iŋ, im-ˈ 

1

: a rapid learning process that takes place early in the life of a social animal (as a greylag goose) and establishes a behavior pattern (as recognition of and attraction to its own kind or a substitute)

2

: genomic imprinting