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.
A description of the specific procedures and methodologies by which a task or tasks are to be accomplished.
In computer forensics, a set of conventions governing the format and timing of message exchanges to control data movements and correct errors.
In computer forensics, a set of conventions governing the format and timing of message exchanges to control data movements and correct errors
An established practice to be followed in performing a specified task or under specific circumstances
a place or origin; specifically, the area from which the constituent materials of a sedimentary rock or facies are derived, also, the rocks of which this area is composed.
Adapted from Ref (3) 3.1.4.1
Discussion—In the context of forensic provenance examination, geological material is analyzed and interpreted to estimate or limit the geographic or environmental conditions of the source of this material to provide an investigative lead. For example, soil on a shovel can be examined to aid in the search for a clandestine grave, typically by comparison of observa- tions to reference data. “Geographic attribution” is an alterna- tive term for provenance.
a place of origin; specifically, the area from which the constituent materials of a sedimentary rock or facies are derived (adapted from Ref (1)). 3.1.10.1 Discussion—In the context of forensic provenance analysis, geological material is analyzed and interpreted to estimate or limit the geographic or environmental conditions of the source of this material to provide an investigative lead. For example, soil on a shovel can be examined to aid in the search for a clandestine grave, typically by comparison of observa- tions to reference data. Geographic attribution is an alternative term for provenance.
the portion of the hair closest to, and including, the root.
the portion of the hair closest to, and including, the root.
The segment of the finger or thumb closest to the palm.
The cause that directly produces the effect without the intervention of any other cause.
a mixture of chemical substances which, on burning, produces bright or colored light, heat, smoke, or acoustic effects.
System that uses encryption to verify and authenticate network transactions
Operator-selected value for the time designated to record a response by the detector. A higher value (longer time) results in a more accurate determination of the detector amplifier pulse height (better spectral resolution). A lower value results in a higher count rate but with reduced spectral resolution.
Operator-selected value for the time designated to record a response by the detector. DiscussionA higher value (longer time) results in a more accurate determination of the detector amplifier pulse height (better spectral resolution). A lower value results in a higher count rate but with reduced spectral resolution.
Operator-selected value for pulse-processing time in which a higher value (longer time) results in a more accurate determination of the detector amplifier pulse height (better spectral resolution) and a lower value results in a higher count rate but with reduced spectral resolution
operator-selected value for the time designated to record a response by the detector. A higher value (longer time) results in a more accurate determination of the detector amplifier pulse height (better spectral resolution). A lower value results in a higher count rate but with reduced spectral resolution.
The action of the pupils constricting in response to light, it requires vision and normal neurologic control of the pupils.
The action of the pupils constricting in response to light, it requires vision and normal neurologic control of the pupils
A chromatogram obtained from the pyrolysis products of a material.
Product of decomposition through heat; a product of a chemical change caused by heating.
to undergo pyrolysis; also known as pyrolyze.
A process in which material is decomposed, or broken down, into simpler molecular compounds by the effects of heat alone; pyrolysis often precedes combustion.
a process in which organic material is broken down into simpler molecular compounds by the effects of heat alone; pyrolysis often precedes combustion
The thermal fragmentation of a substance
The temperature (set or ramped) at which the pyrolysis of the sample is performed.
The product of the pyrolysis process.
Any substance that spontaneously ignites upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen.
Any substance that spontaneously ignites upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen.
A method of DNA sequencing which is performed by detecting the nucleotide incorporated by a DNA polymerase.
A method of DNA sequencing which is performed by detecting the nucleotide incorporated by a DNA polymerase.
A pellet of pyrotechnic material that contributes to the patterns and effects of an aerial firework. DISCUSSION: Pyrotechnic stars can come in a variety of sizes; but are generally spherical or cylindrical in shape.
A linear regression of polynomial degree 2
A generic term for a four-legged camera support.
An adjective used to describe an individual who meets the requirements for the position, has successfully completed the laboratory's applicable training requirements, and is authorized to perform a specific task or role.1
Chemical, analysis in which sub- stances are identified or classified on the basis of their chemical or physical properties, such as chemical reactivity, solubility, molecular weight, melting point, radiative properties (emission, absorption), mass spectra, nuclear half-life, etc. (See also quantitative analysis.)
An assay designed to be more specific for targeted analytes and based on a different chemical principle than a screening method
An ordinal estimate of the usefulness of biometric data for the purpose of automatedrecognition.
That part of quality management focused on providing confidence that quality requirements will be fulfilled.
All the planned and systematic activities implemented within the quality system, and demonstrated as needed, to provide adequate confidence that an entity will fulfill requirements for quality
All the planned and systematic activities implemented within the quality system, and demonstrated as needed, to provide adequate confidence that an entity will fulfill requirements for quality.
That part of quality management focused on fulfilling quality requirements.
Materials used to prepare control samples including reference materials, certified reference materials, and blank matrix samples
A component of a quality assurance program that focuses on ensuring accuracy in laboratory test results through careful monitoring of test methods
Part of quality management focused on increasing the ability to fulfil quality requirements. The requirements can be related to any aspect such as effectiveness, efficiency, or traceability.
The coordinated activities to direct and control an organization with regard to quality. Direction and control with regard to quality generally includes establishment of the quality policy and quality objectives, quality planning, quality control, quality assurance, and quality improvement.
That part of quality management focused on setting quality objectives and specifying necessary operational processes and related resources to fulfil the quality objectives.
The minimum amount that can be quantitated with acceptable accuracy and precision
Chemical, analyses in which the amount or concentration of an analyte may be determined (estimated) and expressed as a numerical value in appropriate units. Qualitative analysis may take place without quantitative analysis, but quantitative analysis requires the identification (qualification) of the analytes for which numerical estimates are given
Any process used to extract measurable data from an image.
Any process used to extract measurable data from an image