biometric scan

Meaning

This refers to a technological process that measures and analyzes physical human characteristics—such as fingerprints, facial features, or irises—for identity verification. In travel, it is widely used at customs, immigration, and boarding gates to speed up passenger processing and enhance security.

Examples

• The airport has introduced a biometric scan system to speed up the boarding process.

  The airport has introduced a biometric scan system to speed up the boarding process.

• You need to look directly into the camera for the biometric scan at the passport control.

  You need to look directly into the camera for the biometric scan at the passport control.

• My biometric scan failed because I was wearing thick glasses that obscured my eyes.

  My biometric scan failed because I was wearing thick glasses that obscured my eyes.

• Many international hubs now rely on biometric scans instead of physical boarding passes.

  Many international hubs now rely on biometric scans instead of physical boarding passes.

• The security officer asked me to step forward for a quick facial biometric scan.

  The security officer asked me to step forward for a quick facial biometric scan.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I had to do a biometric scanning at the border.

  ✓ I had to undergo a biometric scan at the border.

  While 'scanning' is a valid gerund, 'undergo a biometric scan' is the standard, natural collocation used for travelers experiencing this verification process.

• ✗ The machine didn't read my biometric scan of hand.

  ✓ The machine didn't read my biometric hand scan.

  We use noun adjuncts like 'hand scan' or 'fingerprint scan' rather than prepositional phrases with 'of' to describe the specific type of scan.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Passengers can now breeze through immigration thanks to the new ___ gates.

  💡 Technology that identifies you by your physical traits.

  Show answer

  biometric scan

• Please remove your hat and sunglasses before stepping up for the ___.

  💡 Facial or eye analysis at border control.

  Show answer

  biometric scan