| A | B |
| arch | a fingerprint pattern in which the ridge pattern originates from one side of the print and leaves from the other side |
| core | a center of a loop or whorl |
| delta | a triangular ridge pattern with ridges that go in different directions above and below a triangle |
| latent fingerprint | a hidden fingerprint made visible through the use of powders or other techniques |
| loop | a fingerprint pattern in which the ridge pattern flows inward and returns in the direction of origin |
| minutiae | the combination of details in the shapes and position of ridges in fingerprints that make each unique; also called ridge characteristics |
| patent fingerprint | a visible fingerprint that happens when fingers with blood, ink, or some other substance on them touch a surface and transfer the pattern of their fingerprint to that surface |
| ridge pattern | the recognizable pattern of the ridges found in the end joints of fingers that form lines on the surfaces of objects in a fingerprint. They fall into 3 categories: arches, loops, and whorls |
| plastic fingerprint | a 3D fingerprint made in soft material such as clay, soap, or putty |
| ten card | a form used to record and preserve a person's fingerprints |
| whorl | a fingerprint pattern that resembles a bull's-eye |