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.
Productive Response
Productive Response
A change of behavior of the canine followed by a positive indication that can be confirmed by the canine handler.
Committee
Dogs & Sensors
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASB 024 Standard for Training and Certification of Canine Detection of Humans: Location Check Using Pre‐scented Canines. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2021.
Source link
Products Of Combustion
Products Of Combustion
See combustion products.
Committee
Fire & Explosion Investigation
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
NFPA 921:2021 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 2021.
Source link
Professional Development
Professional Development
the mechanism through which a forensic science practitioner improves personal skills, successfully handles increasing responsibility, makes contributions to the profession, and reinforces ethical behaviors.
Committee
Interdisciplinary
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Proficiency Assessment/Testing
Proficiency Assessment/Testing
An evaluation during training; a tool to assess a canine team's ability.
Committee
Dogs & Sensors
Date Added to Lexicon
Technical Report/Other Source (Author, Title of report. Publisher, Year.)
ANSI/Academy Standards Board (ASB), Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2017.
Source link
Proficiency Test
Proficiency Test
An exam that tests a person's and/or an organization's ability to meet a certain level of skill in a particular activity, field of study, etc.
Committee
Footwear & Tire
Date Added to Lexicon
Technical Report/Other Source (Author, Title of report. Publisher, Year.)
ASB TR 097, Terminology Used for Forensic Footwear and Tire Evidence. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2019.
Source link
Proficiency Testing
OSAC Preferred
Proficiency Testing
OSAC Preferred
evaluation of participant performance using pre-established criteria by means of interlaboratory or intralaboratory comparisons.
Also referenced in ASTM E1732-24ae1 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, ANSI/ASTM E1301-95 Standard Guide for Proficiency Testing by Interlaboratory Comparisons, ANSI/ASB Standard 153 Standard Practices for Proficiency Testing for Forensic Toxicology Laboratories and Breath Alcohol Programs.
Committee
FSSB
Interdisciplinary
Forensic Toxicology
Date Added to Lexicon
Committee Source
FSSB
Proficiency Testing Round
Proficiency Testing Round
Single complete sequence of distribution of proficiency test items, and the evaluation and reporting of the results to the participants. (Source: ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.10)
Committee
Forensic Toxicology
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASB 153 Standard Practices for Proficiency Testing for Forensic Toxicology Laboratories and Breath Alcohol Programs. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 , 2023.
Source link
Proficiency Testing Scheme
Proficiency Testing Scheme
Proficiency testing designed and operated in one or more rounds for a specified area of testing, measurement, calibration or inspection. (Source: ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.11)
Committee
Forensic Toxicology
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASB 153 Standard Practices for Proficiency Testing for Forensic Toxicology Laboratories and Breath Alcohol Programs. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 , 2023.
Source link
Program
Program
All-encompassing plan of action aimed at accomplishing a clear objective that meets a defined need. i.e. the instruction for completing the training, certification, and documentation requirements within a detection canine discipline.
Committee
Dogs & Sensors
Date Added to Lexicon
Technical Report/Other Source (Author, Title of report. Publisher, Year.)
ANSI/Academy Standards Board (ASB), Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2017.
Source link
Program
Program
in computer forensics, a list of coded instructions causing a computer to perform a specific task or set of tasks.
Committee
Facial & Iris Identification
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
progressive defect
progressive defect
A defect or feature that appears during the use of the stamp and can change with additional usage.
Committee
Forensic Document Examination
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASB 117 Standard for Examination of Stamping Devices and Stamp Impressions. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 2020.
Source link
Progressive Scan
Progressive Scan
in video analysis, a display scan pattern in which each line of the frame is scanned out sequentially.
Committee
Facial & Iris Identification
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Projected Pattern
Projected Pattern
A bloodstain pattern resulting from the ejection of blood under hydraulic pressure, typically from a breach in the circulatory system.
Committee
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Date Added to Lexicon
Technical Report/Other Source (Author, Title of report. Publisher, Year.)
ASB TR 033, Terms and Definitions in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Terms and Definitions. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2017.
Source link
projectile trauma
projectile trauma
A skeletal defect often produced by high-velocity impact over a relatively small surface area, typically by projectiles from firearms, but can result from any small object impacting a bone at a high velocity.
Committee
Forensic Anthropology
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASB 147 Standard for Analyzing Skeletal Trauma in Forensic Anthropology. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 2024.
Source link
Prompt
Prompt
A previously learned association that stimulates the initiation of a response. Instructions, gestures, physical guidance and modeling cues serve as prompts to the canine.
Committee
Dogs & Sensors
Date Added to Lexicon
Technical Report/Other Source (Author, Title of report. Publisher, Year.)
ANSI/Academy Standards Board (ASB), Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2017.
Source link
Proof Off/Proofing
Proof Off/Proofing
A training technique that aims to teach the canine to ignore all odors/scents except target odors/scents.
Committee
Dogs & Sensors
Date Added to Lexicon
Technical Report/Other Source (Author, Title of report. Publisher, Year.)
ANSI/Academy Standards Board (ASB), Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2017.
Source link
propellant
propellant
an explosive material which undergoes rapid and predictable combustion (without detonation) resulting in a large volume of hot gas.
Committee
Ignitable Liquids, Explosives & Gunshot Residue
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Propellant
Propellant
a compressed gas used to expel the contents of containers in the form of aerosols.
Committee
Ignitable Liquids, Explosives & Gunshot Residue
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
proposition
proposition
hypothesis
statement that is either true or false, the truth of which is uncertain
Committee
Interdisciplinary
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ISO 21043-1:2025 Forensic sciences — Part 1: Vocabulary. International Organization for Standardization BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ISO, copyright International Organization for Standardization, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland. A copy of the complete standard may be purchased from ISO, https://www.iso.org/store.html
Proprietary File Format
Proprietary File Format
any file format that is unique to a specific manufacturer or product.
Committee
Facial & Iris Identification
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Proprioception
Proprioception
Awareness of the relative body position in space at rest and during movement.
Committee
Dogs & Sensors
Date Added to Lexicon
Technical Report/Other Source (Author, Title of report. Publisher, Year.)
ANSI/Academy Standards Board (ASB), Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2017.
Source link
Protocol
Protocol
A description of the specific procedures and methodologies by which a task or tasks are to be accomplished.
Committee
Fire & Explosion Investigation
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
NFPA 921:2021 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 2021.
Source link
Protocol
Protocol
An established practice to be followed in performing a specified task or under specific circumstances
Committee
Human Forensic Biology
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASB 022 Standard for Forensic DNA Analysis Training Programs. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2019.
Source link
Protocol
Protocol
in computer forensics, a set of conventions governing the format and timing of message exchanges to control data movements and correct errors.
Committee
Facial & Iris Identification
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Provenance
Provenance
a place or origin; specifically, the area from which the constituent materials of a sedimentary rock or facies are derived, also, the rocks of which this area is composed.
Discussion—In the context of forensic provenance examination, geological material is analyzed and interpreted to estimate or limit the geographic or environmental conditions of the source of this material to provide an investigative lead. For example, soil on a shovel can be examined to aid in the search for a clandestine grave, typically by comparison of observations to reference data. "Geographic attribution" is an alternative term for provenance.
Committee
Trace Materials
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Provenance
Provenance
a place of origin; specifically, the area from which the constituent materials of a sedimentary rock or facies are derived.
Discussion—In the context of forensic provenance analysis, geological material is analyzed and interpreted to estimate or limit the geographic or environmental conditions of the source of this material to provide an investigative lead. For example, soil on a shovel can be examined to aid in the search for a clandestine grave, typically by comparison of observa- tions to reference data. Geographic attribution is an alternative term for provenance.
Committee
Trace Materials
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Proximal End
Proximal End
the portion of the hair closest to, and including, the root.
Committee
Trace Materials
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Proximal Segment
Proximal Segment
The segment of the finger or thumb closest to the palm.
Committee
Interdisciplinary
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
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.
Source link
Proximate Cause
Proximate Cause
The cause that directly produces the effect without the intervention of any other cause.
Committee
Fire & Explosion Investigation
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
NFPA 921:2021 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 2021.
Source link
pull-up
pull-up
An artifact that may occur during analysis of fluorescently-labeled DNA fragments when signal from one dye color channel produces artificial peaks in another, usually adjacent color, at a similar position on the X axis in an electropherogram; sometimes referred to as bleed-through or matrix/ spectral calibration failure; one type of DNA testing artifact.
Committee
Wildlife Forensic Biology
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASB 048 Wildlife Forensic DNA Standard Procedures. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 2019.
Source link
Pulse Processor Time
Pulse Processor Time
operator-selected value for the time designated to record a response by the detector.
Discussion—A higher value (longer time) results in a more accurate determination of the detector amplifier pulse height (better spectral resolution). A lower value results in a higher count rate but with reduced spectral resolution.
Committee
Trace Materials
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Pulse Processor Time Constant
Pulse Processor Time Constant
operator-selected value for the time designated to record a response by the detector. A higher value (longer time) results in a more accurate determination of the detector amplifier pulse height (better spectral resolution). A lower value results in a higher count rate but with reduced spectral resolution.
Committee
Trace Materials
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Pupillary Response To Light
Pupillary Response To Light
The action of the pupils constricting in response to light, it requires vision and normal neurologic control of the pupils.
Committee
Dogs & Sensors
Date Added to Lexicon
Technical Report/Other Source (Author, Title of report. Publisher, Year.)
ANSI/Academy Standards Board (ASB), Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2017.
Source link
Pupillary Response To Light
Pupillary Response To Light
The action of the pupils constricting in response to light, it requires vision and normal neurologic control of the pupils
Committee
Dogs & Sensors
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASB 085 Standard for Detection Canine Selection, Kenneling, and Healthcare. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2021.
Source link
Pyrogram
Pyrogram
a chromatogram obtained from the pyrolysis products of a material.
Committee
Trace Materials
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Pyrolysate
Pyrolysate
Product of decomposition through heat; a product of a chemical change caused by heating.
Committee
Fire & Explosion Investigation
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
NFPA 921:2021 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 2021.
Source link
Pyrolysate
Pyrolysate
product of decomposition through heat; a product of chemical change caused by heating; also known as pyrolyzate or pyrolysis product.
Committee
Ignitable Liquids, Explosives & Gunshot Residue
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Pyrolyse
Pyrolyse
to undergo pyrolysis; also known as pyrolyze.
Committee
Ignitable Liquids, Explosives & Gunshot Residue
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis
A process in which material is decomposed, or broken down, into simpler molecular compounds by the effects of heat alone; pyrolysis often precedes combustion.
Committee
Fire & Explosion Investigation
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
NFPA 921:2021 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 2021.
Source link
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis
a process in which organic material is broken down into simpler molecular compounds by the effects of heat alone; pyrolysis often precedes combustion.
Committee
Ignitable Liquids, Explosives & Gunshot Residue
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis
the thermal fragmentation of a substance in an inert atmosphere.
Committee
Trace Materials
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Pyrolysis Temperature
Pyrolysis Temperature
the temperature (set or ramped) at which the pyrolysis of the sample is performed.
Committee
Trace Materials
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Pyrolyzate
Pyrolyzate
the product of the pyrolysis process.
Committee
Trace Materials
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Pyrophoric
Pyrophoric
Any substance that spontaneously ignites upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen.
Committee
Fire & Explosion Investigation
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
NFPA 921:2017 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 2017.
Source link
Pyrophoric Material
Pyrophoric Material
Any substance that spontaneously ignites upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen.
Committee
Fire & Explosion Investigation
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
NFPA 921:2021 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 2021.
Source link
Pyrophoric Material
Pyrophoric Material
any substance that spontaneously ignites upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen.
Committee
Ignitable Liquids, Explosives & Gunshot Residue
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Pyrosequencing
Pyrosequencing
A method of DNA sequencing which is performed by detecting the nucleotide incorporated by a DNA polymerase.
Committee
Human Forensic Biology
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASB 131 Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Sequencing using Capillary Electrophoresis. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2021.
Source link
Pyrotechnic Composition
Pyrotechnic Composition
a mixture of chemical substances which, on burning, produces bright or colored light, heat, smoke, or acoustic effects.
Discussion—Pyrotechnic mixtures can cause an explosion if ignited while confined.
Committee
Interdisciplinary
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Pyrotechnic Star
Pyrotechnic Star
a pellet of pyrotechnic material that contributes to the patterns and effects of an aerial firework.
Discussion—Pyrotechnic stars can come in a variety of sizes, but are generally spherical or cylindrical in shape.
Committee
Ignitable Liquids, Explosives & Gunshot Residue
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428, 2025.
Source link
Reprinted, with permission, from ASTM E1732 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard is available from ASTM International, https://www.astm.org
Quadratic Regression
Quadratic Regression
A linear regression of polynomial degree 2
Committee
Forensic Toxicology
Date Added to Lexicon
Standard Source (Designation Number Title of Standard. Publisher, Place, Year.)
ANSI/ASB 054 Standard for a Quality Control Program in Forensic Toxicology Laboratories. AAFS Academy Standards Board (ASB), 410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, 2021.
Source link