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.
Documentation relevant to the biometric data, but not the biometric data itself.Metadata may include both signal/sample-related and content-related information.Examples are the format of the data file, such as WAV and the scope of accreditation ofa DNA processing laboratory.
A self-inking stamp with a metal container instead of plastic.
A combination of procedural steps used to perform a specific technical process. The method includes the validated steps, reagents, and critical instruments needed to perform the process or portion of a process. The same method may be conducted using different equipment (automated vs manual) when appropriately validated.1
A quantitative procedure by which a known concentration of the target analyte is added to multiple aliquots of the case sample(s)
Methodology refers to the categories of methods used to perform a stage of a DNA typing technology or technologies. For example, methodologies for STR technology can include extraction, quantification, amplification, and detection.
An estimate based on measurement of skeletal elements.
Property of a measurement result whereby the result can be related to a reference through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations, each contributing to the measurement uncertainty.
Property of a measurement result whereby the result can be related to a reference through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations, each contributing to the measurement uncertainty
property of a measurement result whereby the result can be related to a reference through a documented unbroken chain of comparisons, each contributing to the measurement uncertainty (see 2.4.1 of International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM) Basic and General Concepts and Associated Terms [10]).
Military Grid Reference System
An implant that is placed under the skin of an animal that provides a unique electronic identification.
An implant that is placed under the skin of an animal that provides a unique electronic identification.
Minute (of time)
The minimum concentration of a combustible dust cloud that is capable of propagating a deflagration through a uniform mixture of the dust and air under the specified conditions of test. [68, 2018]
Lowest number of points, including a chromatographic separation, that must be achieved within a testing regimen to identify an analyte in a specific matrix.
The lowest capacitive spark energy capable of igniting the most ignition-sensitive concentration of a flammable vapor-air mixture or a combustible dust-air mixture as determined by a standard test procedure. [652, 2019]
A minimum estimate of the number of individuals represented by a sample; calculated as the number of the most repeated element after sorting by element, side, and developmental status.
Written documents established to define the least level of performance considered acceptable.
The point where a friction ridge begins, terminates, or splits into two or more ridges.Minutiae are friction ridge characteristics that are used to individualize a friction ridgeimage (fingerprint, palm print, plantar). This is also known as Level 2 detail.
The point where a friction ridge terminates, or splits into two or more ridges. A subset of the friction ridge detail/features traditionally consisting of ridge endings, bifurcations, and dots, or any combination thereof, used to compare and interpret similarity and dissimilarity between two impressions.
The point where a friction ridge terminates, or splits into two or more ridges. A subset of the friction ridge detail/features traditionally consisting of ridge endings, bifurcations, and dots used to compare and interpret similarity and dissimilarity between two impressions.
The point where a friction ridge terminates, or splits into two or more ridges. A subset of the friction ridge detail/features traditionally consisting of ridge endings, bifurcations, and dots used to compare and interpret similarity and dissimilarity between two impressions.
When the canine fails to alert in the known presence of the target odor/scent.
Performance demanded of a person or canine team in accordance with certain fixed regulations, needs of the department or agency. Compulsory pre-requisites needed before deployment.
Performance demanded of a person or canine team in accordance with certain fixed regulations, needs of the department or agency. Compulsory pre-requisites needed before deployment.
Performance demanded of a person or canine team in accordance with certain fixed regulations, needs of the department or agency. Compulsory pre-requisites needed before deployment.
Organelles found in eukaryotes (including humans) that provide the energy for the cell; contains DNA inherited from an individual’s biological mother.
Small circular DNA molecules located in structures used to provide energy to the cell(mitochondria). Their small size and abundant nature make them particularly useful whenexamining small or much damaged biological material. It can be used to trace maternallineages as it is only inherited from ones mother.
An often small (~16,500 bp in humans), circular DNA molecule located in eukaryotic mitochondria that is typically maternally inherited; the resistance to degradation and presence of multiple copies of mtDNA in each cell make it useful with samples originating from limited or damaged biological material.
A small, circular DNA molecule located in eukaryotic mitochondria that is typically maternally inherited; the resistance to degradation and presence of multiple copies of mtDNA in each cell makes it useful with samples originating from limited or damaged biological material.
A small (~16,500 base pairs), circular DNA molecule located in eukaryotic mitochondria that is typically maternally inherited; the resistance to degradation and presence of multiple copies of mtDNA in each cell makes it useful with samples originating from limited or damaged biological material; 2 variations in the DNA sequence may be used for distinguishing individuals, and in biological relationship and ancestry testing
Any biological sample containing DNA from more than one individual
Any biological sample containing DNA from more than one individual.