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.
Acronym for Toe and foot print Acquisition Profile. It is a series of sets ofprogressively more stringent parameters and requirements relevant to plantar printacquisition
All of the processes resulting in the decomposition of organic material. Also pertains to the study of the processes affecting remains between death and discovery
the study of the processes affecting remains after death.
The study of the processes affecting remains after death.
The odor/scent for which the canine is trained to respond. (See source).
The scent for which the canine is trained to respond. NOTE: In patrol detection work the term "decoy" if often used.
The scent for which the canine is trained to respond.
The scent for which the canine is trained to respond.
an analyte of interest to the analyst.
A fuel that is subject to ignition by thermal radiation such as from a flame or a hot gas layer.
A specific set of friction ridge features selected as a starting point during comparison.
A diagnostic ion used for comparing relative intensities of other monitored ions when calculating ion ratios.
A person bearing an explosive, or explosive precursor chemicals.
A pathway that was laid by a target subject that matches the scent article presented to the canine. (See matching scent trail.)
A pathway that was laid by a target subject that is associated with the scent article presented to the canine. (See 3.9 associated scent trail.)
A pathway that was laid by a target subject that is associated with the scent article presented to the canine. (See 3.9 associated scent trail.)
A pathway that was laid by a target subject that is associated with the scent article presented to the canine. (See 3.9 associated scent trail.)
The process of conditioning an animal to touch a particular object.
A specific job behavior or activity.
The information that is necessary for drawing conclusions:
a) about the propositions in question;
b) from the physical evidence that has been designated for examination;
c) through the correct application of an accepted analytic method by a competent analyst.
An indelible image on the skin that was applied to the skin. [2015a>] This is thedefinition of tattoo as used in Field 10.003: Image type / IMT.Field 10.042: SMT descriptors / SMD breaks this down into subsets, one of which is also called tattoo. See Table 71 Type-10 image types for more detail.[
Literature references accepted by the relevant scientific community and providing the classification (e.g. family, genus, species) for a group of organisms.
Literature references accepted by the relevant scientific community and providing the classification of species for a group of organisms.
The classification of an organism to family, genus, species, etc. These analyses are based on class characters diagnostic for the taxonomic level in question
Analyses to establish the taxonomic classification of the sample. These analyses are based on class characters diagnostic for the taxonomic level in question.
Analysis to establish the classification of an organism to family, genus, species, etc. This analysis is based on class characters diagnostic for the taxonomic level in question.
Analyses to establish the classification of biological evidence to family, genus, species, etc. These analyses are based on class characters (e.g., morphological, genetic) that are diagnostic for the taxonomic level in question.
Analyses to establish the classification of an organism to family, genus, species, etc. These analyses are based on class characters which are diagnostic for the taxonomic level in question.
Analyses used to establish the classification of an organism to family, genus, species, etc. These analyses are based on characters (e.g. morphological or genetic) diagnostic for the taxonomic level in question.
The science of identifying and naming species with the intent of arranging them into a classification.
A branch of science concerned with classification of organisms, including systematics and nomenclature.
The designated individual in the laboratory who has technical responsibility.
The designated individual in the laboratory who has technical responsibility.
a bundle of natural fibers (for example, hemp, jute, and sisal) composed of individual elongated cells that can be physically or chemically separated and examined microscopically for identifying characteristics.
An employee who is accountable for the technical operations of the laboratory and who is authorized to initiate, suspend, and resume laboratory operations.
Written documentation maintained by the laboratory including laboratory policies, technical protocols and methods for specific forensic analyses (see also standard operating procedure).
A qualified second party's evaluation of reports, notes, data, and other documentation to ensure there is appropriate and sufficient support for the actions, results, conclusions, opinions, and interpretations.
Also referenced in ANSI/ASB 019 Wildlife Forensics General Standards, ANSI/ASB Technical Report 025, Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions, ANSI/ASB 063 Implementation of 3D Technologies in Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Comparison Laboratories, ANSI/ASB 142-22 Best Practice Recommendations for the Resolution of Conflicts in Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASTM E3392-24 Standard Guide for Forensic Physical Fit Examination, ANSI/ASTM E1732-24e1 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, ANSI/ASB Standard 099 Standard for Footwear/Tire Examination Proficiency Testing Program, ANSI/ASB 168 Standard for Testimony Monitoring in Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASB 143 Standard for Technical Review in Friction Ridge Examination
An individual with the knowledge/expertise to conduct the technical review to determine if theappropriate examinations have been performed, support the results/conclusions of thedevelopment and/or deployment validations, and that the reported results are consistent with therecorded data and are within the scope of testing.
Used to describe the type of forensic DNA analysis performed in the laboratory, such as SNP, STR, YSTR, or mitochondrial DNA.
the resting phase of the hair follicle in the hair growth cycle.
Discussion—During this phase, the hair has stopped growing and the root becomes keratinized and bulbous (club-like) in shape.
The general consistence with which the animal behaves. Broad classes of temperament appear to be heritable. OutgoingBehavior of the canine characterized by seeking human interaction. StableBehavior of the canine that is consistent over time, place and environmental conditions.
The general consistence with which the animal behaves. Broad classes of temperament appear to be heritable. OutgoingBehavior of the canine characterized by seeking human interaction. StableBehavior of the canine that is consistent over time, place and environmental conditions.
The degree of sensible heat of a body as measured by a thermometer or similar instrument.
in facial identification, a set of biometric measurement data prepared by a facial recognition (FR) system from a facial image.
The quality of a canine to persist at a task regardless of the environmental distractions or task difficulty.
The quality of a canine to persist at a task regardless of the environmental distractions or task difficulty.
Other terms specific to firearms, such as rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, firearm, single action, double action, sear, and cock are described in Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners, Glossary [7] and Glossary-SAAMI [1]23].
an unsaturated hydrocarbon occurring in most essential oils and oleoresins of plants.