ScienceAugust 21, 2026
toolmarks
TOOL-marks
Definition
Microscopic or physical impressions, scratches, or abrasions left on a surface by the use of a tool, often analyzed in forensic investigations to identify the specific tool used.
Etymology
Derived from the Middle English word 'tol' (an implement) and the Old English 'mearc' (a sign or boundary). It entered the technical vocabulary of forensic science to describe the unique patterns left by mechanical contact.
In the news
The article mentions toolmarks as one of the specific forensic disciplines taught to science educators, highlighting how they learn to identify evidence left by tools in criminal investigations.
UCO FSI Celebrates a Decade of Training Forensic Science Educators Across the Nation
Read the full article ↗news.uco.edu