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.
Algorithm designed to encode or decode a stream of digital audio data.
A codec format is the data structure produced by a codec.
Coercion deals with compliance induced by physical or mental pressure. Examples may include use of force, threats, or intimidation.
Surface topography measurement method wherein the localization of interference fringes during ascan of optical path length provides a means to determine a surface topography map.
Printing resulting from an impression in an unintended printing area, often on the periphery of a stamp. This may be due to the manufacturing process or the stamping technique.
Capable of undergoing combustion.
Any finely divided solid material that is 420 microns or smaller in diameter (material passing a U.S. No. 40 Standard Sieve) and presents a fire or explosion hazard when dispersed and ignited in air.
An instrument that samples air and indicates whether there are ignitible vapors or gases present.
Any liquid that has a closed-cup flash point at or above 37.8C (100F). (See also 3.3.89, Flammable Liquid.)
A chemical process of oxidation that occurs at a rate fast enough to produce heat and usually light in the form of either a glow or flame.
The heat, gases, volatilized liquids and solids, particulate matter, and ash generated by combustion.
A simple file format for tabular data where individual values are separated by a comma (or other designated delimiter).
The intermixing of biological material representing multiple individuals.
An algorithm that allows signals with a large dynamic range to be transmitted overfacilities with a smaller dynamic range. It is used in telephony (see -law and A-law)and some other types of communications
An identification technique involving the direct comparison of antemortem and postmortem medical imaging to include radiographs, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other modalities.
A qualitative conclusion of any comparison performed to assess the degree of similarity or difference between DNA data (e.g., inclusion or exclusion).
The process of examining two or more DNA data sets to assess the degree of similarity or difference.
The process of examining two or more DNA data sets to assess the degree of similarity or difference.
The process of examining two or more DNA data sets to assess the degree of similarity or difference.
Consists of an examination of correspondence or non-correspondence between items, unknown and known.
The search for and detection of similarities and dissimilarities in observed data between friction ridge impressions.
The search for and detection of similarities and dissimilarities in observed data between friction ridge impressions.
The search for and detection of similarities and dissimilarities in observed data between friction ridge impressions.
A series of computational steps which seeks to assess both the level of geometric similarity (similarity of toolmarks) and the degree of certainty that the observed similarity results from a common origin. A comparison algorithm makes use of a scoring function or similarity score.
Software that implements a comparison algorithm and may also include database, search, and visualization functionality.
The demonstration of technical skills and knowledge necessary to perform forensic DNA analysis successfully.
Demonstrated and documented ability of an individual to perform assigned work in a discipline or subdiscipline, in accordance with a laboratory's technical procedures and training manuals, before the performance of independent casework.
Possessing and demonstrating the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform a specific task.
Demonstration that a forensic science practitioner has acquired and demonstrated specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities in the standard practices necessary to conduct examinations in a discipline or category of testing prior to performing independent casework.