dermatoglyphics

noun

der·​ma·​to·​glyph·​ics ˌdər-mə-tə-ˈgli-fiks How to pronounce dermatoglyphics (audio)
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 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of dermatoglyphics was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near dermatoglyphics

Cite this Entry

“Dermatoglyphics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dermatoglyphics. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

dermatoglyphics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
der·​ma·​to·​glyph·​ics ˌdər-mət-ə-ˈglif-iks How to pronounce dermatoglyphics (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dermatoglyphics

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!