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 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.
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.
(1) not readily capable of burning with a flame. (2) not liable to ignite and burn when exposed to flame. Its antonym is flammable.
a textile structure produced by bonding or interlocking of fibers, or both, accomplished by mechanical, chemical, thermal, or solvent means and combinations thereof.
A 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 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 comprised exclusively of normal-alkanes.
A lens designed to approximate the field of view of the human eye without magnification or reduction.
A lens designed to approximate the field of view of the human eye without magnification or reduction.
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.
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.
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
Small void areas that extend off of grooves or slots of a tire design but don't fully cross the rib or tread block.
See green dog.
National Television System Committee, also re- ferred to as National Television Standards Committee
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.
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.
Network video recorder
The training of an animal, especially a canine, to obey certain commands.
The training of an animal, especially a canine, to obey certain commands.
Training to enhance a canine team's proficiency using specific goals established prior to the initiation of the training.
Training to enhance a canine team's proficiency using specific goals established prior to the initiation of the training.
Illumination from a light source that is at a low angle of incidence, or even parallel, to the surface of the item. (Also known as side lighting.)
Illumination from a light source that is at a low angle of incidence, or even parallel, to the surface ofthe item. (Also known as side lighting.)
Recognizing and noting an occurrence.
A period during which the trainee observes actual casework undertaken by an experienced FSSP.
Any information seen within an impression that an examiner relies upon to reach a decision, conclusion, or opinion. This not only includes minutiae, but attributes such as clarity, scars, creases, edge shapes, pore structure, and other friction ridge features.
In facial identification, the obscureness of fea- tures (that is, features blocked by sunglasses or objects in the environment, such as a tree).
In facial identification, the obscureness of features (that is, features blocked by sunglasses or objects in the environment, such as a tree)
A chart graphically illustrating the condition of the dentition, including but not limited to, missing teeth, restorations, and tooth orientation.
Forensic dentistry a specialized discipline in dentistry to identify individuals basedupon characteristics of their dentition and oral region.
Volatile chemicals emitted from a substance that are able to be perceived by olfaction. 'Odor' has traditionally referred to canine detection of a substance. 'Scent' has traditionally referred to canine detection of humans. (See scent.)
Volatile chemicals emitted from a substance that are able to be perceived by olfaction. 'Odor' has traditionally referred to canine detection of a substance. 'Scent' has traditionally referred to canine detection of humans.