OSAC Lexicon
The OSAC Lexicon is a compendium of forensic science terms and definitions. This terminology tool was created to help bring consistency and understanding to the way terms are used by the various forensic science. Use of the OSAC Lexicon does not replace the need to reference the original published source.
The terms and definitions in the OSAC Lexicon come from the published literature, including documentary standards and technical reports. It is continually updated with the latest work from OSAC units, as well as terms from newly published documentary standards and standards elevated to the OSAC Registry.
Gradually terms are evaluated and harmonized by the OSAC to a single term. This process results in an OSAC Preferred Term. An OSAC Preferred Term is a term, along with its definition, that has undergone review and evaluation by the FSSB Terminology Task Group and has been approved by the FSSB. The FSSB recommends that subcommittees use OSAC Preferred Terms when drafting standards.
The OSAC Lexicon should be the primary resource for terminology and used when drafting and editing forensic science standards and other OSAC work products.
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
Experiments performed to establish the necessary controls for each procedure, the frequency with which the controls should be performed (e.g., concurrently, daily, before use, etc.) and the performance expectations for each control.
The training of an animal, especially a canine, to obey certain commands while working around a target person in protective gear.
The training of a canine to obey certain commands while working around people.
Heat transfer by circulation within a medium such as a gas or a liquid.
The canine handler's ability to correctly recognize and reward a desired behavior of the canine, or redirect or stop an undesired behavior.
To reproduce information with some level of accuracy
To reproduce information with some level of accuracy. DISCUSSIONDepending on the process used, copying might result in the loss of data. (Compare bit stream duplicate.)
A twisted or formed structure composed of one or more single or plied filaments, strands, or yarns of organic polymer or inorganic materials
a twisted or formed structure composed of one or more single or plied laments, strands, or yarns of organic polymer or inorganic materials.
A collective term for twines, cords and ropes made from textile fibers and yarns
a collective term for twines, cords and ropes made from textile fibers and yarns.
A textile product (yarn, strand, small diameter rope, etc.) placed in the center of a rope and serving as a support for the strands around it
a textile product (yarn, strand, small diameter rope, etc.) placed in the center of a rope and serving as a support for the strands around it.
Irregularity or abnormality of the cornea, the clear outermost layer of the eye.
Irregularity or abnormality of the cornea, the clear outermost layer of the eye.
An elected or appointed official whose duty is to oversee medicolegal death investigations, usually for a single county, and ensure certification of cause and manner of death; duties vary based on local enabling statutes.
The application of an aversive stimulus intended to prompt the canine to cease undesired behavior using verbal reprimand, choke collar (slip)/check chain, prong collar, remote trainer, etc.
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
A correlation is an association between two variables, when the variables are related. Correlation does not imply cause.
The main structural component of hair consisting of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells; the cortex can contain pigment grains, air spaces called cortical fusi, and structures called ovoid bodies
The primary anatomical region of a hair between the cuticle region and the medullary region composed of elongated and fusiform cells.
the main structural component of hair consisting of elongated and fusiform (spindle-shaped) cells; the cortex can contain pigment granules, air spaces called cortical fusi, and structures called ovoid bodies.
the primary anatomical region of a hair between the cuticle region and the medullary region composed of elongated and fusiform cells.
Small air spaces that form between the cortical cells in the hair shaft and under transmitted light appear as tiny, dark structures.
small air spaces that form between the cortical cells in the hair shaft and, under transmitted light, appear as tiny, dark structures.
The relief or definition of the margins of the cortical cells when viewed using transmitted light microscopy.
the relief or definition of the margins of the cortical cells when viewed using transmitted light microscopy.
In knitted fabrics, a row of successive loops in the width direction of the fabric
in knitted fabrics, a row of successive loops in the width direction of the fabric.
The analysis of specimens from subjects within the judicial system or part of an active investigation to determine the presence or absence of drugs or other chemical substances.
The tendency of a material to move or deform permanently to relieve stresses.
Paper that has small folds in it giving it high stretch and conformability. Used in the backing of masking tape (saturated paper tape).
A brance of forensic science concerned with the examination and interpretation of physical evidence, for the purpose of aiding forensic investigation
The curl, wave, or compression that is naturally occurring or otherwise imparted to a fiber
the curl, wave, or compression that is naturally occurring or otherwise imparted to a fiber.
A point at which mental or physical duress causes survival and trainability to come into conflict.
Chemicals or other materials used in testing whose performance is vital to the success of the test as determined by empirical studies or routine practice.
Any software or modification that directly affects the integrity of the evidence, the analytical process, interpretations, statistical conclusions, case file documentation, chain of custody documentation, accuracy of results, report wording, or any other item deemed integral.
A change in the canine's behavior where the canine becomes distracted by animal odor or some other animal distracter. Usually evident as there is a change in body language (head and tail position). (See distractibility.)
The opportunity for the attorney (or an unrepresented party) to ask questions of a witness who has been called to testify by the opposing party.