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.
Food Drive
The subconscious impulse to work to obtain food.
Food Drive
The innate impulse to work to obtain food.
Footwear
Footwear/tire intelligence
Forensic
OSAC Preferred
related to methods (3.35), techniques and processes used for recovery (3.51), analysis (3.2), interpretation (3.30) and reporting of observations (3.36) and opinions (3.37), which can be used for law enforcement investigations or for legal proceedings
Numbers in the parenthesis refers to additional terms in the standard.
Also referenced in ANSI/ASB Standard 169 Standard for Clinical Veterinary Forensic Examination, ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2011 Update:2015 Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial & Other Biometric Information. ANSI/National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2011
Forensic (Forensic Science)
The application of science to answer questions of interest to the legal system.
Forensic Anthropologist
A forensic anthropologist is an individual with at least a masters degree in forensic anthropology,biological anthropology, or related field, and who also has forensic anthropology case experience ortraining involving fragmentary, burned, and otherwise taphonomically-altered human skeletalremains. They also must have training or experience in producing a biological profile (age, sex,stature, ancestry), and interpreting human skeletal trauma.NOTE Board-certified forensic anthropologists possess a Ph.D. in forensic anthropology/biologicalanthropology or related field and are certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA).
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic anthropology is the application of anthropological methods and theoryparticularlythose relating to the recovery and analysis of human remainsto resolve legal matters.
forensic anthropology scene
Any environment where human remains and material associations, potentially relevant in a medicolegal setting, may be recovered, and where a forensic anthropology or forensic archaeology practitioner is requested to assist a jurisdictional authority.
Forensic Audio
Forensic Autopsy
An autopsy authorized by law, and typically performed under the jurisdiction of a medical examiner or coroner for criminal justice and public health purposes.
forensic autopsy
Autopsy authorized by law and typically performed under the jurisdiction of chief medicolegal officer for criminal justice, civil, and/or public health purposes.
Forensic Cloning
Forensic Dental Age Assessment Practitioner
An individual who provides an assessment of an individual's dental age based upon accepted methodology. Note: The term 'practitioner' will be used instead of 'Forensic Dental age assessment Practitioner' throughout this document as an abbreviated way to describe an individual who provides an assessment of an individual's dental age based upon accepted methodology.
Forensic Dna Analysis
The use of DNA technologies for the evaluation of biological evidence that may be involved in legal matters.
Forensic Image
Forensic Light Source
Forensic Odontology
That part of dentistry, which deals with the examination, interpretation, and presentation of dental and oral evidence for legal purposes.
Forensic Pathologist
A physician who is certified in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology (ABP) or who, prior to 2006, has completed a training program in forensic pathology that is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education or its international equivalent or has been officially 'qualified for examination' in forensic pathology by the ABP.
Forensic Pathologist
A physician who is board-certified in anatomic pathology or anatomic and clinical pathology, as well as forensic pathology.
forensic pathologist
Physician who is board-certified in forensic pathology by an accredited credentialing body; currently American Board of Pathology and American Osteopathic Board of Pathology.
Forensic Pathology
The practice of medicine in which the principles of pathology are applied to problems of potential legal, public health, or public safety significance; a common function is the performance of autopsies to determine the cause of death and assist in determining the manner of death.
forensic pathology
Practice of medicine in which the principles of pathology are applied to problems of potential legal, public health, or public safety significance; a common function is the performance of autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death.
forensic photography (still and video)
The act of producing an accurate depiction of a scene or physical evidence using photography for the purpose of an investigative or legal proceedings.
forensic process
set of interrelated or interacting forensic activities
Note 1 to entry: The forensic process can include item handling and control, examination and reporting.
Note 2 to entry: See Annex A for a flowchart of the forensic process.
Forensic Sample
Biological sample recovered from a crime scene or collected from persons or objects associated with a crime.
Forensic Science
OSAC Preferred
The application of scientific principles and techniques to matters of criminal justice especially as relating to the collection, examination, and analysis of physical evidence.
Forensic Science Practitioner
An individual who (1) applies scientific or technical practices to the recognition, collection, analysis, or interpretation of evidence at issue in criminal, civil, or administrative investigations and proceedings, and (2) issues test results, provides reports, or provides interpretations, conclusions, or opinions through testimony with respect to such evidence.
Forensic Science Practitioner
Forensic Science Service Provider (FSSP)
OSAC Preferred
An organization or individual that provides forensic science services.
Also referenced in ANSI/ASB 017 Standard Practices for Measurement Traceability in Forensic Toxicology, ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, ANSI/ASTM E2917-24a Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs, ANSI/ASTM E3255-21 Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Forensic Science Service Providers Performing Forensic Chemical Analysis, ANSI/ASB 142-22 Best Practice Recommendations for the Resolution of Conflicts in Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASB Standard 157-23 Required Components for a Proficiency Testing Program in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Forensic Serology
The detection, characterization, identification, and/or typing of body tissues and fluids, either in native form or as stains or residues left at a crime scene using physical methods (e.g. normal and enhanced lighting), biochemical assays, reactions and/or microscopy.
Forensic Serology
The detection, characterization, identification, and/or typing of body tissues and fluids, either in native form or as stains or residues left at a crime scene using physical methods (e.g. normal and enhanced lighting), biochemical assays, reactions and/or microscopy.
Forensic Service Provider (FSP)
OSAC Preferred
organization that performs all or part of the forensic process (3.25).
Note 1 to entry: A forensic service provide can be a large or small organization, including an organization consisting of a single examiner (3.20)
Numbers in the parenthesis refers to additional terms in the standard.
Also referenced in ANSI/ASB 145 Standard for Consultation During Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 144 Best Practice Recommendations for the Verification Component in Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 165 Best Practice Recommendation for Analysis of Friction Ridge Impressions, ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 166 Best Practice Recommendation for Comparison and Evaluation of Friction Ridge Impressions, ANSI/ASB 014 Standard for Friction Ridge Examination Training Program, ANSI/ASB Standard 015 Standard for Examining Friction Ridge Impressions, ANSI/ASB 168 Standard for Testimony Monitoring in Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASB 143 Standard for Technical Review in Friction Ridge Examination, ANSI/ASB 167 Standard for Reporting Results from Friction Ridge Examinations.
Forensic Services
OSAC Preferred
Activities included in the collection, examination, and analysis of items and reporting of observations and opinions for matters of criminal justice, or for regulatory, or legal proceedings.
Forensic Video Analysis
Forensic Wipe
Format
Format
Format Conversion
Fortified Matrix Sample
Forward Spatter Pattern
Foxing, Foxing Strip
FR
Fractography
Fragmentation
Frame
Frame Skeletal Proportion
The internal bony structures that give the shape and proportion to the canine.
Frame Skeletal Proportion
The internal bony structures that give the shape and proportion to the canine.
Frankfurt Horizon
The plane determined by the lowest point of the left eye socket and the tragions of theears.