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.
Any process intended to improve the visual appearance of an image or specific features within an image
In image analysis, a means by which an image is presented for examination or observation.
In image analysis, a means by which an image is presented for examination or observation
In image analysis, any activity that transforms an input image into an output image.
In image analysis, any activity that transforms an input image into an output image
In image analysis, a record of the steps used in the processing of an image.
In image analysis, a record of the steps used in the processing of an image
The process by which two images are aligned with each other using a geometric transformation.
The process by which two images are aligned with each other using a geometric transformation
See restoration.
See restoration
In image and video analysis, any process that renders an image, using computer graphics techniques, for illustrative purposes (that is, age progression, facial reconstruction, and accident/crime scene reconstruction).
In image and video analysis, any process that renders an image, using computer graphics techniques, for illustrative purposes (that is, age progression, facial reconstruction, and accident/crime scene reconstruction)
In image and video analysis, an act of moving images from one location to another.
In image and video analysis, an act of moving images from one location to another
Thin transparent plastic material that covers the item during an examination using an EDD.
In image and video analysis, any system or method used to capture, store, process, analyze, transmit, or produce an image. DISCUSSIONSuch systems include film, electronic sensors, cameras, video devices, scanners, printers, computers, and so forth.
In image and video analysis, any system or method used to capture, store, process, analyze, transmit, or produce an image
A term that describes a scale pattern in which the scales overlap and the edges have an irregular wavy pattern; this pattern is typical of human hair.
A term that describes a scale pattern in which the scales overlap and the edges have an irregular wavy pattern; this pattern is typical of human hair.
a term that describes a scale pattern in which the scales overlap and the edges have an irregular wavy pattern. This pattern is typical of human hair.
The timing involved in delivering consequences for a response directly following the response in time. This reduces the likelihood of inadvertently reinforcing/punishing some other behavior. (See reinforcement.)
descriptive of substances of the same phase or state of matter that cannot be uniformly mixed or blended.
Make an animal immune to infection, typically by inoculation. (See vaccination.)
To make an animal immune to infection, typically by inoculation. (See vaccination.)
A bloodstain pattern resulting from an object striking liquid blood.
presence of objectivityNote 1 to entry: Objectivity means that conflicts of interest do not exist, or are resolved so as not to adverselyinfluence subsequent activities of the laboratory (3.6).Note 2 to entry: Other terms that are useful in conveying the element of impartiality include freedom fromconflict of interests, freedom from bias, lack of prejudice, neutrality, fairness, open-mindedness, even-handedness, detachment, balance.[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 170211:2015, 3.2, modified The words the certification body have been replacedby the laboratory in Note 1 to entry, and the word independence has been deleted from the list inNote 2 to entry.]
presence of objectivityNOTE 1 Objectivity means that conflicts of interest do not exist or are resolved so as not to adversely influencesubsequent activities of the inspection body.NOTE 2 Other terms that are useful in conveying the element of impartiality are: independence, freedom from conflictof interests, freedom from bias, lack of prejudice, neutrality, fairness, open-mindedness, even-handedness, detachment,balance.
Presence of objectivity
The product of direct or indirect physical contact between item(s) such as footwear or tire resulting in the transfer and retention of characteristics of that item.
A friction ridge image containing friction ridge detail produced on a surface by pressure.
A phenomenon by which an animal during a formative stage of life forms a lasting attachment to, and preference for, some object or activity through exposure to the same independent of consequences. Operational usage: A method of initial odor/scent discrimination training.
Any combination of items or components that are neither originally designed nor produced to be used in conjunction with each other and, when placed together, constitute a mechanism that has the capability of exploding and causing personal injuries and property damage.
Reinforcement delivered despite the appropriateness of any response on the part of the subject.
chemical compound, metal, or mixture capable of producing intense heat.
A device or mechanism used to initiate an incendiary fire.
A fire that is intentionally ignited in an area or under circumstances where and when there should not be a fire.
A management system designed to enable effective and efficient domestic incident management by integrating a combination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and communications operating within a common organizational structure.
A friction ridge not fully developed that may appear shorter and thinner in appearancethan fully developed friction ridges.
The InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards
A type location check in which a scent match is indicated by the canine thereby including an individual as the scent contributor.
spectral artifacts that result from inelastic scattering of the tube target characteristic X-rays by the sample.
Discussion—Because energy is lost in inelastic scattering, incoherent scatter peaks occur at a lower energy than the tube target characteristic X-rays.
spectral artifacts that result from inelastic scattering of the tube target characteristic X-rays by the sample.
The result of a comparison between two hair samples in which similarities and differences were observed in the characteristics of the provided standard and the questioned hair to the extent that the known source of the standard could not be included or excluded as a possible source of the questioned hair.
the result of a comparison between two hair samples in which similarities and differences were observed in the characteristics of the provided standard and the questioned hair to the extent that the known source of the standard could not be included or excluded as a possible source of the questioned hair.
Results that do not meet criteria for reporting, or were unsuitable due to analytical interferences or condition of the sample
Increment samples should be taken within horizons; sample depths should not cross horizon boundaries. Increment sampling provides more detail than horizon sampling but adds time and expense.
in fire debris, used as a generic term for substituted forms of indan, a compound which consists of a benzene ring fused to a cyclopentane ring.
Latent or visible impressions and/or embossments in paper or other media. This also includes paper fiber disturbances which do not optically appear as impressions.
Scientific usage: Statistical studies assume a property called independence - a situation where the data collected are not related to each other because they come from a random sample from the population examined; independence is often assumed but seldom tested. Good statistical testing tests for independence when its presence is unclear. Operational usage: The canine's capability to perform without assistance or being influenced by the canine handler.