PALM PRINT Meaning and
Definition
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A palm print refers to the unique pattern of ridges, furrows, and other distinguishing features found on the surface of an individual's palm. It is a subclassification of biometric identification and serves as a means of differentiating one person from another based on the distinctive characteristics present on their palm. Much like fingerprints, palm prints are considered to be highly unique to each individual and can act as a personal identifier.
The palm print is formed due to the friction ridges present on the palms of hands, which develop during fetal development and remain relatively consistent throughout an individual's lifetime. Patterns on the palm can include loops, arches, or whorls, which are formed by the arrangement, direction, and shape of the ridges. The configuration and relationship between these patterns are what distinguish one palm print from another.
Palm prints have been utilized in various applications, including forensic science, criminal investigations, and access control systems. They can be collected through different methods, such as inked impressions, photographs, or digital scanning. Palm print identification works by comparing the captured palm print with a database of existing palm prints to find potential matches.
Advantages of using palm prints as a biometric identifier include their permanence, the relatively large size of the surface which makes them easier to obtain and analyze, as well as the potential to extract additional information, such as gender or ethnicity, from the pattern. However, the use of palm prints also has some limitations, such as potential changes due to injuries or skin conditions that affect the characteristics of the palm's surface.
Etymology of PALM PRINT
The word "palm print" is derived from two separate sources.
1. Palm: The term "palm" has its roots in the Old English word "palma" and the Latin word "palma", both of which referred to the flat of the hand or the palm of the hand. This Latin term is also related to the Greek word "palame", meaning "open hand" or "palm". Over time, "palm" came to specifically refer to the inner surface of the hand below the fingers.
2. Print: The word "print" originates from the Old English word "printan" or "prentan", meaning "to press". It is also related to the Middle Dutch word "prenten" and the Old High German word "printan", both of which carry the same meaning.
