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.
The ability of the canine to use olfactory capabilities to differentiate one scent from another.
The ability of the canine to use olfactory capabilities to differentiate one scent from another.
Environmental conditions/factors/influences affecting the movement of scent from a fixed scent source. Movement of the source creates a separate scent cone at the new location.
Environmental conditions/factors/influences affecting the movement of scent from a fixed scent source.
Environmental conditions/factors/influences affecting the movement of scent from a fixed scent source.
Environmental conditions/factors/influences affecting the movement of scent from a fixed scent source.
See matching-to-sample.
A material used to collect target scent from a person, object, or location for subsequent presentation to the canine.
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.
Patterns that develop as ridges on rubber material as a result of repeated abrasive forces. These patterns are highly individual and randomly acquired characteristics. They continue to change rapidly as affected by continued abrasion.
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 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.
An assay designed to rule out the presence of analytes or to suggest their presence; thereby indicating further testing may be warranted
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, to compare a probe against a gallery.
In facial identification, the act of comparing a probe against a gallery to return a candidate list.
In facial identification, the act of comparing a probe against a gallery to return a candidate list
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.
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.
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.
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.
Low-energy electrons produced from the interaction of beam electrons and conduction band electrons of atoms within the interaction volume that are produced throughout the interaction volume, but only those near the surface have enough 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.
The distance from the rim to the tread surface of an unloaded tire.