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.
Plastic Explosive
Plasticizer
platen (checkwriter)
Plate or plates used to press the substrate against the prefix, elements, payee perforator, or segments.
Plates
Playback
Playback Optimization
Pliers
Plume
The column of hot gases, flames, and smoke rising above a fire; also called convection column, thermal updraft, or thermal column.
Ply
Ply
Pneumatic Tire
Png
Portable Network Graphics.
Point Of Origin
The physical location within the area of origin where a heat source, a fuel, and an oxidizing agent first interact, resulting in a fire or explosion.
Point-To-Point
An open area search method in which the canine team moves in a straight line from one designated location (point) to another.
Polarized Light
Polarized Light Microscope
Polarizing Light Microscopy
Viewing a sample on a compound microscope that has been fitted with special filters that orient the light rays, providing analytical information about the sample.
Polyester Film Encapsulation
A process whereby a document is sealed between two sheets of polyester film to preserve, stabilize, and facilitate handling.
polyester film encapsulation
A process whereby a document is sealed between two sheets of polyester film to preserve, stabilize, and facilitate handling.
Polymerase
An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of nucleic acids on preexisting nucleic acid templates.
polymerase
An enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of nucleic acids on preexisting nucleic acid templates.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (Pcr)
An enzymatic process by which a specific region of DNA is replicated during repetitive cycles that consist of the following: denaturation of the template; annealing of primers to complementary sequences at an empirically determined temperature; and extension of the bound primers by a DNA polymerase. The goal of the PCR process is to generate many copies (termed products or amplicons) of a specific region of DNA for further analysis.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (Pcr)
An enzymatic process by which a specific region of DNA is replicated during repetitive cycles that consist of the following: denaturation of the template; annealing of primers to complementary sequences at an empirically determined temperature; and extension of the bound primers by a DNA polymerase. The goal of the PCR process is to generate many copies (termed products or amplicons) of a specific region of DNA for further analysis.
polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
An enzymatic process by which a specific region of DNA is replicated during repetitive cycles that consist of the following: denaturation of the template; annealing of primers to complementary sequences at an empirically determined temperature; and extension of the bound primers by a DNA polymerase. The goal of the PCR process is to generate many copies (termed products or amplicons) of a specific region of DNA for further analysis.
polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
The analytical process by which targeted segments of DNA are replicated during repetitive cycles of heating to denaturation, and cooling to anneal primer oligonucleotides and extend DNA sequences to enhance detection of DNA fragments.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Pcr
An enzymatic process by which a specific region of DNA is replicated during repetitive cycles that consist of the following: denaturation of the template; annealing of primers to complementary sequences at an empirically determined temperature; and extension of the bound primers by a DNA polymerase. The goal of the PCR process is to generate many copies (termed products or amplicons) of a specific region of DNA for further analysis.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Pcr
An enzymatic process by which a specific region of DNA is replicated during repetitive cycles that consist of the following: denaturation of the template; annealing of primers to complementary sequences at an empirically determined temperature; and extension of the bound primers by a DNA polymerase. The goal of the PCR process is to generate many copies (termed products or amplicons) of a specific region of DNA for further analysis.
Polymorphism
The occurrence in a population of two or more alleles or physical traits at a genetic locus. This variation within a population permits the differentiation of individuals via DNA testing or physical traits.
polymorphism
crystallization into two or more chemically identical but crystallographically distinct forms.
polymorphism
The occurrence in a population of two or more alleles or physical traits at a genetic locus. This variation within a population permits the differentiation of individuals via DNA testing or physical traits.
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PNA)
Polyurethane (Pu)
Polyvinyl Chloride (Pvc)
Polyvinylsiloxane
Polyvinylsiloxane Pvs
Dental casting material formulated to render fine detail.
Population
A group of organisms of the same species in a defined geographic area, such that any pair of members can interbreed.
population
A group of organisms of the same species in a defined geographic area, such that any pair of members can interbreed.
population
A group of organisms of the same species in a defined geographic area such that any pair of members can interbreed.
population
Individuals grouped by shared factors such as geography, biology, culture, language, etc.
Population
Population
population affinity
A measure (e.g., distance, probability of membership) of similarity between the individual and reference groups (see Annex A).
population genetics
The study of genes and allele frequencies in populations.
Population Studies
population substructure
The existence of subpopulations with different allele frequencies.
Pose
Position And Orientation Of Wear
Positional Tooth Numbering
Assignment of tooth numbers based upon the location of the teeth. This is in contrast tomorphological tooth numbering, which assigns a tooth number based upon position,the shape of the tooth. For most cases, the tooth number assignment would be the same.Differences arise only in unusual cases.
Positive Alert
A trained detection alert in the presence of the target odor/scent.
Positive Alert
A trained detection alert in the presence of the target odor/scent.