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empreinte

fingerprint

noun ahm-PRANT Less Common

Also means

imprint

Usage Note

Empreinte covers any mark left by pressure: une empreinte digitale is a fingerprint, une empreinte de pas is a footprint. Figuratively, laisser une empreinte means 'to leave a mark' on something or someone. The environmental compound empreinte carbone (carbon footprint) is now widely used.

Examples

"La police a relevé ses empreintes digitales."

Natural Translation

The police lifted his fingerprints.

Literal Translation

The police has lifted his fingerprints

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