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.
One of the subject-matter domains of NIEM. It was established in July 2012 to supportbiometric-related alignment of XML standards. The Biometric domain develops astandardized data model and code lists that form the foundation of the biometricsschema within NIEM. The ombudsman of the NIEM biometrics domain is the convenerof ANSI/NIST-ITL, according to its charter.
The portion of NIEM needed for a particular exchange.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Meaningless output occurring in electronic equipment; it is random electronic variation that is generated by and intrinsic to the electronic circuitry. It ultimately establishes the smallest analytical signal that can be quantitatively measured with confidence. A part of a signal that is not the target signal.
High frequency signals caused by the instrument electronics, vibrations, and environmental factors.This is often determined by measuring a flat surface (e.g., mirror) which establishes the minimumfeature height (z) that the instrument is capable of measuring. Also known as Noise Floor.
a part of a signal that is not the target signal.
Discussion—In audio, image, and video signals, sources of noise can include film grain, electronic variations in the input device sensor and circuitry, and stray electromagnetic fields in the signal pathway.
The mixed arrangement of tread block sizes used by the tire industry to reduce noise generated by tires.
Rounded or approximate value of a characterizing quantity of a measuring instrument or measuring system that provides guidance for its appropriate use. (Source: JCGM 200)
rounded or approximate value of a characterizing quantity of a measuring instrument or measuring system that provides guidance for its appropriate usei
i: Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM), International vocabulary of metrology - Basic and general concepts and associated terms (VIM) (Sèvres, France: International Bureau of Weights and Measures [BIPM]- JCGM 200) available from: https://www.bipm.org/en/publications/guides.
The number of pixels per unit distance (ppmm or ppi) of the image. The nominalresolution may be the same as the scanning resolution for a particular image. On theother hand, the nominal resolution may be less than the scanning resolution if the scannedimage was subsampled, scaled, or interpolated down.
the number of horizontal and vertical pixels an imaging system or sensor is capable of capturing.
A pathway laid by a human subject whose scent is not associated with the scent on the article presented to the canine, or the absence of an associated scent pathway
A pathway laid by a human subject whose scent is not associated with the scent on the article presented to the canine, or the absence of an associated scent pathway
A pathway laid by a human subject whose scent is not associated with the scent on the article presented to the canine, or the absence of an associated scent pathway
Any tool that is not a firearm.
Any toolmark produced by a tool other than a firearm.
See miss.
A pathway laid by a human subject whose scent does not match the scent on the article presented to the canine, or the absence of a matching scent pathway.
A skeletal variant or morphological feature that is classified categorically rather than quantified by a measurement (e.g., discrete, macromorphoscopic, or discontinuous trait).
The range of integers including zero and those greater than or equal to 1.
For purposes of this standard, it is any image or model that is other than defined as aphotographic image. A photographic image is conveyed in a Type-10 record. A nonphotographic image is conveyed in a Type-22 record. Non-photographic images caninclude (but are not limited to) such diverse items as 3D point cloud representations ofthe face, radiographs, sonograms, PET scans and 3D orthodontic models. Note that 2Diris images are handled in Type-17 records and 2D friction ridge images in Type-4,Type-13, Type-14, Type-15 and Type-19 records; they should not be included in aType-22 record.
A change of behavior of the canine followed by a positive indication which cannot be confirmed by the canine handler. This may be the result of residual odor/scent that the canine can detect but which cannot be confirmed by technology or direct observation. A non-productive response may also be an errora false positivebut these outcomes cannot be distinguished in an operational environment.
A change of behavior of the canine followed by a positive indication which cannot be confirmed by the canine handler. This may be the result of residual odor/scent that the canine can detect but which cannot be confirmed by technology or direct observation. A non-productive response may also be an errora false alertbut these outcomes cannot be distinguished in an operational environment.
A change of behavior of the canine followed by a positive indication which cannot be confirmed by the canine handler. This may be the result of residual odor/scent that the canine can detect but which cannot be confirmed by technology or direct observation. A non-productive response may also be an errora false positivebut these outcomes cannot be distinguished in an operational environment.
A change of behavior of the canine followed by a positive indication which cannot be confirmed by the canine handler. This may be the result of residual scent that the canine can detect but which cannot be confirmed by technology or direct observation. A non-productive response may also be an errora false positivebut these outcomes cannot be distinguished in an operational environment.
A change of behavior of the canine followed by a positive indication which cannot be confirmed by the canine handler. This may be the result of residual scent that the canine can detect but which cannot be confirmed by technology or direct observation. A non-productive response may also be an errora false positivebut these outcomes cannot be distinguished in an operational environment.
Data from sources other than those collected from the scene of a fire or explosion incident.
The analysis of specimens to determine the presence or absence of specific substances from employees that are not mandated under federal statutes.
A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the condition anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat.
A 3D Topographic measurement made using hardware that does not comply with ANSI/ASB Standard 061, Firearm and Toolmarks 3D Measurement Systems and Measurement Quality Control. The accuracy and precision of these measurements may be uncertain and untraceable.
Work that does not comply with FSP policies and procedures.
Work that does not comply with FSP policies and procedures.
Work that does not comply with FSP policies and procedures.
(1) not readily capable of burning with a flame. (2) not liable to ignite and burn when exposed to flame. Its antonym is flammable.
textile structure produced by bonding or interlocking of fibers, or both, accomplished by mechanical, chemical, thermal, or solvent means and combinations thereof.
a subclass of aliphatic hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2 , with a single unbranched chain of carbon atoms; also known as n-alkane.
a lens designed to approximate the field of view of the human eye without magnification or reduction.
adsorption in which the stationary phase is polar in relation to the mobile phase.
an element that is present in the glass matrix at elevated and relatively homogeneous concentration that may be used to normalize the laser ablation signal to compensate for any variation on the ablated mass or instrumental drift.
See green dog.
The DNA contained within a nucleus of eukaryotic organisms comprising the majority of the genome.
A transposition of any type of cytoplasmic mitochondrial DNA into the nuclear genome of a eukaryotic organism.
Enzymes that degrade (break down) nucleic acids.
irregularly formed grains without sharp faces or edges.
Nutrients provided to keep body condition at a healthy level in an adult canine without providing additional nutrients for growth, reproduction or weight gain, will vary with level of activity.
The training of an animal, especially a canine, to obey certain commands.
The training of an animal, especially a canine, to obey certain commands.
A lawyer's protest about the legal propriety of a question, response, or other evidence made with the purpose of obtaining a ruling from the trial judge about whether the question can be asked, the answer can be given, or the evidence can be admitted.