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.
Samples of known origin that mimic or simulate a range of casework sample types that may include laboratory created samples or proficiency test samples.
Often referred to as moot court, role-playing court proceedings intended to prepare students for courtroom testimony
This is a type or class of biometric system. Any measurable biological or behavioralcharacteristic can be a biometric modality.
A geometrical parameter used in the characterization of noncircular fiber cross-sections
a geometrical parameter used in the characterization of noncircular fiber cross-sections.
Ion formed by the removal of one or more electrons from a molecule to form a positive ion or the addition of one or more electrons to a molecule to form a negative ion.
a breakable container filled with an ignitable liquid. It can be ignited by a flaming wick or by chemical means.
a breakable container filled with an ignitable liquid. It can be ignited by a flaming wick or by chemical means.
A hair disorder that results in periodic nodes or beading along the length of the hair with intervening, tapering constrictions that are not medullated.
a hair disorder that results in periodic nodes or beading along the length of the hair with intervening, tapering constrictions that are not medullated.
An oriented polypropylene film in which the polymer has beenvstretched in only one direction during the manufacturing process. Tapes with such films can be torn by hand.
Device designed to isolate narrow wavelength ranges of light from complex, broad-spectrum radiation
Device designed to isolate narrow wavelength ranges of light from complex, broad-spectrum radiation.
Relating to a branch of biology that deals with the form of living organisms, and with relationships between their structures.
Referring to size,shape, structure, and texture.
Referring to size, shape, structure, and texture
Referring to size, shape, structure, and texture.
Referring to size, shape, structure, and texture
In facial identification, direct comparison of class and individual facial characteristics without explicit measurement
In facial identification, direct comparison of class and individual facial characteristics without explicit measurement.
Conformance with the form and structure of the internal content, and verification that thedata structures exist and have correct values.
Assignment of tooth numbers based upon the shape of the teeth. This is in contrast topositional tooth numbering, which assigns a tooth number based solely upon position,and does not consied the shape of the tooth. For most cases, the tooth numberassignment would be the same. Differences arise only in unusual cases.
Quantification technique to estimate the actual number of individuals based on the number of paired and unpaired bones; a modified Lincoln Index (LI).
The degree to which an animal is inclined to perform a goal-directed behavior based on internal and external stimuli.
Mindset and physical behaviors associated with interest, willingness, and keenness to work.
segregations within the soil matrix with different color or shades of color interspersed with the dominant (matrix) color (seeFig. 1).
A widely used audio file format which uses a lossy audio encoding algorithm defined in the MPEG-1 standard,Audio layer 3. The details of this standard are which is published as ISO/IEC 11172-3.
An encoding format commonly used for audio recordings. It is also called MPEG-1 orMPEG-2 Audio Layer III. It has used the file extension '.mp3' since 1995.
Magnetic resonance imaging.
Term used interchangeably with facial image.
See backup handler canine.
An organization that has more than one laboratory performing forensic DNA analysis.
Analog or digital media, including, but not limited to, film, tape, magnetic and optical media, and the information contained therein
Analog or digital media, including, but not limited to, film, tape, magnetic and optical media, and the information contained therein.
To combine multiple signals into a single signal which can later be separated
To combine multiple signals into a single signal which can later be separated.
A canine trained in more than two disciplines
Any and all military explosives; also known as ordnance.
the partial focusing and concentration of blast energy caused by incorporating a conical or hemispherical hollow into the end of an explosive cartridge (see shaped charge).
Munsell color is recorded as alpha-numericHue Value/Chroma, H V/C (for example, 7.5YR 5/4 or 5R 6/4); neutral colors, lacking a hue tone, (chroma = 0) are designated with a hue of N and omit chroma or list it as zero (N 3/ or N 3/0).
an ordered system to quantify and describe color based on the three qualities or attributes:hue(H),value(V), andchroma(C) (see PracticeD1535andFig. 2).
A device placed on the canine's face to prevent the canine from biting other animals or people, or consuming material.
A skeleton of some kinds of triangles, elongated, usually pointed with a short head usually thicker or broader
A skeleton of some kinds of triangles, elongated, usually pointed with a short head usually thicker or broader.
A class of ignitable liquid characterized in ASTM E1618-11 "Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry" as being comprised almost exclusively of normal alkane hydrocarbons. Examples of such products are some printing ink solvents, candle oils, and some copier toners.