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.
The detection, characterization, identification, and/or typing of body tissues and fluids, either in native form or as stains or residues left at a crime scene using physical methods (e.g. normal and enhanced lighting), biochemical assays, reactions and/or microscopy.
The detection, characterization, identification, and/or typing of body tissues and fluids, either in native form or as stains or residues left at a crime scene using physical methods (e.g. normal and enhanced lighting), biochemical assays, reactions and/or microscopy.
An organization or individual that provides forensic services.
Also referenced in ASB 145 Standard for Consultation During Friction Ridge Examination.
Activities included in the collection, examination, and analysis of items and reporting of observations and opinions for matters of criminal justice, or for regulatory, or legal proceedings.
See video analysis.
See video analysis
In computer forensics, a verifiable procedure for sanitizing a defined area of digital media by overwriting each byte with a known value.
In computer forensics, a verifiable procedure for sanitizing a defined area of digital media by overwriting each byte with a known value
To prepare a hard disk or a removable data storage device to enable data storage using a specified filesystem or data structure.
To prepare a hard disk or a removable data storage device to enable data storage using a specified filesystem or data structure
The structure by which data are organized on a device
In audio, image, and video analysis, the transfer of audio or video information, or both, from one format to another.
In audio, image, and video analysis, the transfer of audio or video information, or both, from one format to another
A blank matrix sample spiked with target analyte and/or internal standard using reference materials
A bloodstain pattern resulting from blood drops which can be produced when a projectile creates an exit wound.
A strip of rubber wrapped around the lower part of some footwear to cover the gap or seam between the upper and the outsole.
Facial recognition
Facial recognition
the means and methods for characterizing fractured specimens or compounds.
High-speed missiles that are the result of an explosion and may be part of the explosive casing; container; earth; building material; target area; or other items affected by the explosion.
In video analysis, the lines of spatial information of a video signal. DISCUSSIONFor interlaced video, a frame consists of two fields, one of odd lines and one of even lines, displayed in sequence. For progressive scan (non-interlaced) video, the frame is written through successive lines that start at the top left of the picture and finish at the bottom right.
In video analysis, the lines of spatial information of a video signal
The internal bony structures that give the shape and proportion to the canine.
The internal bony structures that give the shape and proportion to the canine.
The plane determined by the lowest point of the left eye socket and the tragions of theears.
See unallocated space
See unallocated space
A seasonal surface sediment layer 1 to 5 cm thick occurring on bare ground that has been disaggregated or puddled by radiant heating and cooling to produce freeze/thaw cycles while very moist or wet.
The rate at which an event occurs.
A human scent pathway that has been present for a short period of time. A trail that is under 24 hours old.
The examination of impressions from fingers, palms or soles, for identification purposes.
An image of an impression from the palmar surfaces of the hands or fingers, or from theplantar (sole) surfaces of the feet or toes.
The volar skin surface of the surfaces of the hands and fingers, and the plantar surfaces ofthe feet and toes.
In facial identification, a facial image cap- tured from directly in front of the subject with the focal plane approximately parallel to the plane of the subject's face.
In facial identification, a facial image captured from directly in front of the subject with the focal plane approximately parallel to the plane of the subjects face
a material that will maintain combustion under specified environmental conditions.
A material that will maintain combustion under specified environmental conditions.
Any substance capable of reacting with oxygen and oxygen carriers (oxidizers) with the evolution of heat.
chemical compound or mixture of compounds added to a fuel for various purposes.
Natural gas, manufactured gas, LP-Gas, and similar gases commonly used for commercial or residential purposes such as heating, cooling, or cooking.
Natural gas, manufactured gas, LP-Gas, and similar gases commonly used for commercial or residential purposes such as heating, cooling, or cooking.
The total quantity of combustible contents of a building, space, or fire area, including interior finish and trim, expressed in heat units or the equivalent weight in wood.
indicating a ratio of oxygen-to-fuel that provides less oxygen than needed for optimum combustion of the fuel.
A fire in which the heat release rate and growth rate are controlled by the characteristics of the fuel, such as quantity and geometry, and in which adequate air for combustion is available.
Indicating a ratio of oxygen-to-fuel that provides less oxygen than needed for optimum combustion of the fuel.
A full finger view is a rolled or plain image of a full-length finger showing all segments.An entire joint image includes four full finger view images: one rolled; left, center, andright plain.
An impression that represents all, or nearly all, of the heel to toe portions of the outsole or the full width and circumference of the tire.
Condition in a compartment fire in which the entire volume is involved in combustion of varying intensities.
Operation of a mass spectrometer in which abundances of ions for entire mass spectrum arerecorded over a defined mass range.