imprinted

Imprinted is the past participle of imprint and is used as an adjective to describe something that bears an imprint or has undergone imprinting. The term has several domain-specific senses, especially in biology, genetics, psychology, and manufacturing.

In animal development, imprinting refers to a rapid, relatively irreversible form of learning that occurs during a sensitive period early in life. The classic example is filial imprinting in birds, where hatchlings form a strong bond with the first moving object they see, typically a parent. This initial recognition can influence future behavior, social attachment, and mate choice. While best known in birds, imprinting-like processes have been studied in other species and contexts.

In genetics, genomic imprinting is an epigenetic mechanism in which the expression of certain genes depends on whether the allele is inherited from the mother or the father. Imprinted genes show parent-of-origin–specific expression due to epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation established in the gametes. This pattern can affect fetal growth, metabolic regulation, and neural development, and disturbances in imprinting can be implicated in developmental disorders and syndromes.

Outside biology, imprinting describes a physical transfer of a pattern onto a surface. An object may be described as imprinted if it bears an impression from stamping, embossing, or negative/positive relief. The related process is imprinting, used in printing, manufacturing, and craft to create durable marks or textures.

In everyday language, memories and experiences can be described as imprinted when they leave a lasting impression.