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 process of identification and evaluation of biological evidence in criminal matters using DNA technologies, including DNA isolation and purification methods, data interpretation, statistical analysis, report writing, and courtroom testimony
DNA isolation and purification
A process by which the DNA concentration in a sample is determined.
The relative order of base pairs, whether in a fragment of DNA, a gene, a chromosome, or an entire genome.
A laboratory technique used to determine the sequence of bases (A, C, G, and T) in a DNA molecule.
An employee who is accountable for the technical operations of the laboratory and who is authorized to stop or suspend laboratory operations.1
The genetic constitution of an individual at one or more defined locations (also known as loci) in the DNA. A DNA type derived from nuclear DNA typically consists of one or two alleles at several loci (for example, short tandem repeat loci).
Abbreviation for deoxynucleotide tri-phosphates; used in PCR as building blocks to construct new DNA strands.
Any material that conveys a message or contains information on which a set of observations can be made. May be used interchangeably with “item”.
system used to ensure traceability and to establish, identify, approve, issue, maintain, distribute, use, amend, revise, store, protect, secure, retrieve, retain and dispose of documents
The trained person who works the canine. (See canine handler.)
This term has two uses in this standard: Implementation domain refers to the group of organizations or agenciesthat have agreed to use a specified set of user-defined fields in a particularformat. This is the domain encoded in Field 1.013: Domain name /DOM. NIEM biometrics domain refers to an XML namespace that conforms withthe NIEM naming rules. It deals with biometric data. See Annex C:NIEM-conformant encoding rules for details.
In the evaluation of a canine team neither the assessor nor the canine handler knows the location of the target odor/scent or whether target odor/scent is present (i.e., a blank / null search).
Scientific usage: This condition occurs when neither the experimenter/canine handler, nor the observer/evaluator, knows which treatments/manipulations are given to which subjects. Operational usage: In the evaluation of a canine team, neither the assessor nor the canine handler knows the location of the target odor/scent or whether target odor/scent is present (i.e., a blank/null search).
Scientific usage: This condition occurs when neither the experimenter/canine handler, nor the observer/evaluator, knows which treatments/manipulations are given to which subjects. Operational usage: In the evaluation of a canine neither the assessor nor the canine handler knows the location of the target odor/scent or whether target odor/scent is present (i.e., a blank/null search).
In the evaluation of a canine neither the assessor nor the canine handler knows the location of the target scent or whether target scent is present (i.e., a blank/null search).
In the evaluation of a canine neither the assessor nor the canine handler knows the location of the target scent or whether target scent is present (i.e., a blank/null search).
In the evaluation of a canine neither the assessor nor the canine handler knows the location of the target scent or whether target scent is present (i.e., a blank/null search).
The propensity of a canine to exhibit instinctual behaviors when faced with particular stimuli. Drives are triggered by these particular stimuli (e.g., food or retrieve) and expressed in a typical and predictable way that is associated with the particular stimulus. Drives can be enhanced or diminished through experience (e.g., training, environment, etc.), but they cannot be created or eliminated. Traditionally defined in the working canine literature as an exaggerated, instinctual response to certain stimuli and situations. Drive is most narrowly and clearly defined as a willingness, vigor, or enthusiasm to engage in certain behavior, contexts, or situations. (See food drive, rank drive, retrieve drive, and survival drive)
The propensity of a canine to exhibit instinctual behaviors when faced with particular stimuli. Drives are triggered by these particular stimuli (e.g., food or retrieve) and expressed in a typical and predictable way that is associated with the particular stimulus. Expression of drives can be enhanced or diminished through experience (e.g., training, environment, etc.), but they cannot be created or eliminated. Drive therefore reflects the motivation to perform a behavior.
The spread of fire by the dropping or falling of burning materials. Synonymous with 'fall down.'
Ordinate values within a dataset that did not receive enough signal during the measurement for aheight measurement to be acquired. These are often represented as NaN, zero, blank, or theminimum measured value.
When an individual is victimized while mentally or physically incapacitated due to the effects of ethanol and/or other drugs.
Bone that no longer retains its visco-elastic properties (it could still be associated with tissue, but that tissue would likely be mummified).
A method utilizing the layering of dry dental stone powder and misted water.
To release the firing pin on an unloaded chamber of a firearm.
An impression formed when the substrate, materials being transferred, and the outsole or tire treadare dry (e.g. footwear impressions in dust).
A canine trained in two disciplines. For example, a canine trained for narcotics and criminal apprehension.
A canine trained in two disciplines. For example, a canine trained for narcotics and criminal apprehension.
A cartridge that does not contain primer, propellant, or explosive charge and therefore cannot be fired
A cartridge that does not contain primer, propellant, or explosive charge and therefore cannot befired.
A copy of a genuine stamp. The source of duplication can either be the matrix board allowing for die text to be mass produced or using an impression from the genuine (original) stamp.
This stands for two separate application profiles of the ANSI/NIST-ITL standard:a) Acronym for the FBI's application profile of the ANSI/NIST-ITL standard:Electronic Biometric Transmission Specification.b) Acronym for the US Department of Defense's application profile of theANSI/NIST-ITL standard: Electronic Biometric TransmissionSpecification.