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.
Nema
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
Network
Network Traffic
Neuter
To remove the canine's reproductive organs.
Neutral Stimulus/Cue
Any stimulus that has no effect on behavior before conditioning.
next of kin
The person(s) who stand(s) in the closest legally recognized relationship to a deceased individual.
NFIQ
NIST Fingerprint Image Quality. See www.nist.gov/itl/iad/ig/bio_quality.cfm.
Ngi
The FBI's Next Generation Identification, which provides an incremental replacementof IAFIS technical capabilities, while introducing new functionality.
NIEM
National Information Exchange Model. It is a partnership of US Federal agencies. It isdesigned to develop, disseminate and support enterprise-wide information exchangestandards and processes that can enable jurisdictions to effectively share criticalinformation in emergency situations, as well as support the day-to-day operations ofagencies throughout the U.S.
NIEM Biometrics Domain
One of the subject-matter domains of NIEM. It was established in July 2012 to supportbiometric-related alignment of XML standards. The Biometric domain develops astandardized data model and code lists that form the foundation of the biometricsschema within NIEM. The ombudsman of the NIEM biometrics domain is the convenerof ANSI/NIST-ITL, according to its charter.
NIEM Subset Schema
The portion of NIEM needed for a particular exchange.
NIST
National Institute of Standards and Technology
no conclusion
An opinion expressed due to insufficiency of material, significantly limiting factors, or the presence of both similarities and dissimilarities (it may also be expressed as Inconclusive, Indeterminate or Insufficient) (see 3.1.209 inconclusive opinion). NOTE In handwriting, this can be the presence of disguise in the questioned and/or known writing or a lack of comparable writing.
Noise
Meaningless output occurring in electronic equipment; it is random electronic variation that is generated by and intrinsic to the electronic circuitry. It ultimately establishes the smallest analytical signal that can be quantitatively measured with confidence. A part of a signal that is not the target signal.
Noise
High frequency signals caused by the instrument electronics, vibrations, and environmental factors.This is often determined by measuring a flat surface (e.g., mirror) which establishes the minimumfeature height (z) that the instrument is capable of measuring. Also known as Noise Floor.
Noise
Noise Treatment
nominal mass
mass of a molecular ion or molecule calculated using the isotope mass of the most abundant constituent element isotope of each element rounded to the nearest integer value and multiplied by the number of atoms of each element
Nominal quantity Value
Rounded or approximate value of a characterizing quantity of a measuring instrument or measuring system that provides guidance for its appropriate use. (Source: JCGM 200)
nominal quantity value
rounded or approximate value of a characterizing quantity of a measuring instrument or measuring system that provides guidance for its appropriate use
Nominal Resolution
The number of pixels per unit distance (ppmm or ppi) of the image. The nominalresolution may be the same as the scanning resolution for a particular image. On theother hand, the nominal resolution may be less than the scanning resolution if the scannedimage was subsampled, scaled, or interpolated down.
Nominal Resolution
non-ballpoint pen ink
Writing or marking media intended for use in a writing or marking instrument other than a ballpoint pen, including a dip or fountain pen, porous point pen, roller pen, marking instrument, etc. Typically, a thin, low viscosity ink with a water or solvent base (it may also be expressed as fluid pen ink).
Non-firearm Tool
Any tool that is not a firearm.
Non-firearm Toolmark
Any toolmark produced by a tool other than a firearm.
non-human remains
Biological material that is not human in origin.
Non-Indication
See miss.
Non-Matching Scent Trail
A pathway laid by a human subject whose scent does not match the scent on the article presented to the canine, or the absence of a matching scent pathway.
non-metric data
Skeletal variants or morphological features that are classified categorically rather than quantified by a measurement (e.g., discrete, macromorphoscopic, or discontinuous trait).
Non-Negative Integer
The range of integers including zero and those greater than or equal to 1.
non-original
Reproduction of a document, e.g., photocopied, faxed, scanned, photographed. (NIST HF)
non-osseous material
Biological or non-biological material that is not bone.
non-penetrating impact
Projectile damage where the projectile strikes but does not penetrate a target.
Non-Photographic Image
For purposes of this standard, it is any image or model that is other than defined as aphotographic image. A photographic image is conveyed in a Type-10 record. A nonphotographic image is conveyed in a Type-22 record. Non-photographic images caninclude (but are not limited to) such diverse items as 3D point cloud representations ofthe face, radiographs, sonograms, PET scans and 3D orthodontic models. Note that 2Diris images are handled in Type-17 records and 2D friction ridge images in Type-4,Type-13, Type-14, Type-15 and Type-19 records; they should not be included in aType-22 record.
Non-Productive Response
A change of behavior of the canine followed by a positive indication which cannot be confirmed by the canine handler. This may be the result of residual odor/scent that the canine can detect but which cannot be confirmed by technology or direct observation. A non-productive response may also be an errora false positivebut these outcomes cannot be distinguished in an operational environment.
Non-Scene Data
Data from sources other than those collected from the scene of a fire or explosion incident.
non‐regulated workplace drug testing
non-federally mandated analysis of specimens from employees to determine the presence (or absence) of specific chemical substances and their effects on the average individual
non‐standard test method
defined test procedure that is used to generate test results and published by an entity other than a national or international standards development organization
NOTE Non-standard test methods include those from vendors, scientific journals, standard practices or guides, and laboratory-developed methods.
Noncombustible Material
A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the condition anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat.
Noncompliant 3D Measurement
A 3D Topographic measurement made using hardware that does not comply with ANSI/ASB Standard 061, Firearm and Toolmarks 3D Measurement Systems and Measurement Quality Control. The accuracy and precision of these measurements may be uncertain and untraceable.
nonconforming work
Work that does not comply with FSP policies and procedures.
nonconforming work
Work that does not comply with FSP policies and procedures.
nonconforming work
Work that does not comply with FSP policies and procedures.
Nonflammable
(1) not readily capable of burning with a flame. (2) not liable to ignite and burn when exposed to flame. Its antonym is flammable.
nonimpact printer
A printer in which image formation is not the result of mechanical impacts (e.g., thermal printer, electrostatic printer, electrophotographic printer, ink jet printer).