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.
Dispersion of scent in a given environment. (See scent cone/scent dispersion.)
Dispersion of scent in a given environment. (See 3.58 scent dispersion.)
Demonstration of the canine's olfactory ability to alert on a target scent(s).
Demonstration of the canines olfactory ability to alert on a target scent(s).
Demonstration of the canines olfactory ability to alert on a target scent(s).
Demonstration of the canines olfactory ability to alert on a target scent(s).
A test of the canine's olfactory ability to alert to target scent(s) in a controlled environment.
A test of the canine's olfactory ability to alert to target scent(s) in a controlled environment.
A test of the canine's olfactory ability to alert to target scent(s) in a controlled environment.
A test of the canine's olfactory ability to alert to target scent(s) in a controlled environment.
Scent pathway left by a person.
Scent pathway left by an individual moving.
Scent pathway left by an individual moving.
Scent pathway left by an individual moving.
When a canine learns to identify a trained odor/scent with a specific reward.
The combination of odors/scents that are present when a detector canine responds to a trained odor/scent.
Person or organization responsible for developing and maintaining a specific certification scheme. The certification scheme owner can be the certification body itself, a governmental authority, a trade association, a group of certification bodies or others.
A person who has special knowledge of a subject about which a court requests testimony
The process of systematically comparing antemortem and postmortem biological data to facilitate a personal identification.
The systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and definition of a problem; the collection of data through observation and experimentation; analysis of the data; the formulation, evaluation and testing of hypotheses; and, where possible, the selection of a final hypothesis.
The range or characteristics of objects of conformity assessment covered by attestation (ISO/IEC 17000:2014 5.2).
The mathematical core of a comparison algorithm which takes two input topographies and generates one or more outputs that quantify the comparison based on geometric similarity. Scoring functions are either rank-score only, interpretable, or statistically validated.
a loosely-woven gauze-type fabric added to duct tape for reinforcement and to impart strength.
the number of warp yarns per inch versus the number of fill yarns per inch.
in facial identification, the act of comparing a probe against a gallery to return a candidate list.
in facial identification, to compare a probe against a gallery.
The innate impulse of a canine to look for hidden prey.
The level of interest, attitude, and enthusiasm the canine shows while searching.
in facial identification, a candidate list returned from a search.
A craterlike indentation created at the point of origin of some explosions.
An explosion with a highly localized point of origin, such as a crater.
Succeeding impressions after the first impression is made without re-inking the stamp.
See backup handler canine.
imaging using low-energy electrons produced from the interaction of beam electrons and conduction band electrons of atoms within the interaction volume, with only those near the surface having sufficient energy to escape.
Any subsequent explosion resulting from an initial explosion.
a high explosive that is relatively insensitive to heat, shock, or friction; secondary explosives, depending on the type, require a detonator or booster in order to function properly and are less sensitive; but typically more powerful, than primary explosives.
Fiber disturbance(s) not caused by the act of writing or other dynamic actions, rather caused by dynamic contact with the embossed side of an indentation(s) or other raised surface.
Change in phenotype (e.g., stature) in a population over time.
Singular part on which is forged or attached a set of numerals or symbols that can be adjusted by the operator in establishing an impression value. NOTE Multi-currency machines commonly have a dedicated segment for currency designation.
(1) (qualitative): the extent to which other substances interfere with the determination of a substance according to a given procedure, and (2) (quantitative): a term used in conjunction with another substantive (for example, constant, coefficient, index, factor, number) for the quantitative characterization of interferences.
the result of exothermic reactions, occurring spontaneously in some materials under certain conditions, whereby heat is generated at a rate sufficient to raise the temperature of the material.
Ignition resulting from self-heating, synonymous with spontaneous ignition.
The minimum temperature at which the self-heating properties of a material lead to ignition.
A stamp in a container (may be metal or plastic) that houses a rotating die plate seated against a miniature stamp pad. The die plate rotates to the enclosed ink pad to re-ink after every impression. This action allows for repetitive stamping and a separate ink pad is not needed.
the woven edge portion of a fabric parallel to the warp.