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.
Contamination
The unintentional introduction of exogenous DNA or other biological material in a DNA sample, PCR reaction, or item of evidence; the exogenous DNA or biological material could be present before the sample is collected or introduced during collection or testing of the sample.
Contamination
The unintentional introduction of exogenous materials or substances into a test sample.
Contamination
When an odor/scent is inadvertently or purposefully introduced. Contamination can include the following: contamination of a search area with a target odor/scent or contamination of a target aid with competing odor/scent.
Contamination
The unintentional introduction of exogenous materials or substances into a test sample.
Contamination
An odor/scent that is inadvertently or purposefully introduced. Contamination can include the following: contamination of a search area with a target scent or contamination of a target aid with competing odor/scent.
Contamination
An odor/scent that is inadvertently or purposefully introduced. Contamination can include the following: contamination of a search area with a target scent or contamination of a target aid with competing odor/scent.
Contamination
The unintentional introduction of exogenous DNA or other biological material in a DNA sample, PCR reaction, or item of evidence; the exogenous DNA or biological material could be present before the sample is collected or introduced during collection or testing of the sample.
Contamination Studies
Experiments performed to assess the risk that unintended material may be introduced into a sample from test assay components, instrumentation, the operator, or test procedures.
Contemporaneous
Existing at or occurring at the same period of time. In Record Type-11, the phrase contemporaneous capture of a voice signal indicates recording of the voice signal atthe time of the speaker vocalization.
Context Data
Additional related image, audio, or waveform data in support of a biometric record.
Continuing Education
Continuous Reinforcement Crf
A schedule of reinforcement where every occurrence of the behavior is reinforced.
Contraband
An article or substance that is prohibited by law or regulation within a specific area.
Control
OSAC Preferred
Material of established origin used to evaluate the performance of a test or comparison. Or A test performed to demonstrate that a test method works correctly and to ensure that data are valid. Positive controls confirm that the procedure will produce the expected result. Negative controls confirm that the procedure does not produce an unintended result.
Also referenced in ANSI/ASB 017 Standard Practices for Measurement Traceability in Forensic Toxicology,
ANSI/Academy Standards Board (ASB), Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions, ANSI/ASB 056 Standard for Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty in Forensic Toxicology ANSI/ASB 046 Wildlife Forensics Validation Standards—STR Analysis.
Control Region
A presumed non-coding portion of the mitochondrial DNA molecule analyzed through DNA sequencing, which may be used to determine an individual's mitochondrial haplotype or for taxonomic discrimination. The control region often contains hypervariable regions (in humans: HV1 and HV2) that differ in sequence among non-maternally related individuals. The control region encompasses the D-loop region in humans and other species.
Control Region
A presumed non-coding portion of the mitochondrial DNA molecule analyzed through DNA sequencing, which may be used to determine an individual's mitochondrial haplotype or for taxonomic discrimination. The control region often contains hypervariable regions (in humans: HV1 and HV2) that differ in sequence among non-maternally related individuals. The control region encompasses the D-loop region in humans and other species.
Control Sample
Control Studies
Experiments performed to establish the necessary controls for each procedure, the frequency with which the controls should be performed (e.g., concurrently, daily, before use, etc.) and the performance expectations for each control.
Control Training
The training of a canine to obey certain commands while working around people.
Control Training
The training of an animal, especially a canine, to obey certain commands while working around a target person in protective gear.
Controlled Image
Controlled Search
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
Controlled Search
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
Controlled Search
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
Controlled Search
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
Controlled Search
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
Controlled Search
An experiment/training/testing exercise in which any defined variable(s) is consistent within specific parameters.
controls
Samples of known types, run in parallel with experimental, reference, or evidence samples that are used to demonstrate that a procedure is working correctly. Controls include negative samples (no template DNA) and positive samples.
controls
Samples of known types, run in parallel with experimental, reference, or evidence samples that are used to demonstrate that a procedure is working correctly.
Controls
Samples of known type, run in parallel with experimental, reference, or evidence samples that are used to demonstrate that a procedure is working correctly.
Convection
Heat transfer by circulation within a medium such as a gas or a liquid.
Copy
Cord
Cord
Cordage
Core
Corneal Defects
Irregularity or abnormality of the cornea, the clear outermost layer of the eye.
Corneal Defects
Irregularity or abnormality of the cornea, the clear outermost layer of the eye.
coroner
An elected or appointed official responsible for overseeing medicolegal death investigations, usually for a single county, and for certifying the cause and manner of death in these investigations; duties vary based on local enabling statutes.
Coroner
An elected or appointed official whose duty is to oversee medicolegal death investigations, usually for a single county, and ensure certification of cause and manner of death; duties vary based on local enabling statutes.
Correction
The application of an aversive stimulus intended to prompt the canine to cease undesired behavior using verbal reprimand, choke collar (slip)/check chain, prong collar, remote trainer, etc.
corrective action
Action to eliminate or mitigate the cause of a non-conformity and to prevent recurrence. NOTE A corrective action is taken to prevent recurrence whereas a preventive action is taken to prevent occurrence.
Corrective Action Plan
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
Corrective Action Plan
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
Corrective Action Plan
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
Corrective Action Plan
A training course of action to remediate performance deficiencies with a canine team.
Correlation
A correlation is an association between two variables, when the variables are related. Correlation does not imply cause.