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.
Blank Search
A training or certification exercise in which the target scent is not present.
Blank Search
A training or certification exercise in which the target scent is not present.
Blank Search
A training or certification exercise in which the target scent is not present.
Blank Testing
A known odor/scent sample that is used to assess the canine's proficiency in a non-matching odor/scent scenario. The canine is expected to give a negative response.
Blast Pressure Front
The expanding leading edge of an explosion reaction that separates a major difference in pressure between normal ambient pressure ahead of the front and potentially damaging high pressure at and behind the front.
Blasting agent
Blasting Cap
blemish
Small extraneous spot found near inked regions of checkwriter impressions that is characteristic of machines that use ribbons as their ink source.
Bleve
Boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion.
Blind Experiments
The person(s) obtaining the measurements does not know the treatments.
blind testing
Footwear and tire examiners and/or the footwear and tire examiner’s agency are not aware they are being tested.
blind verification
A type of verification in which the subsequent examiner(s) has no knowledge of any other examiner’s decisions, conclusions or observed data used to support the conclusion.
blind verification
A type of verification in which the subsequent examiner(s) has no knowledge of any other examiner’s decisions, conclusions or observed data used to support the conclusion.
blind verification
A type of verification in which the subsequent examiner(s) has no knowledge of any other examiner’s decisions, conclusions or observed data used to support the conclusion.
blind verification
A type of verification in which the subsequent examiner(s) has no knowledge of any other examiner’s decisions, conclusions or observed data used to support the conclusion.
Blinding
The process of withholding information that may bias the forensic dental age assessment practitioner.
Blocker
Blood Chemistry
A panel of blood tests that measures the components of blood including electrolytes, glucose and enzymes that provides information about organ function and physiologic state.
Blood Chemistry
A panel of blood tests that measures the components of blood including electrolytes, glucose and enzymes that provides information about organ function and physiologic state.
Blood Clot
Bloodstain
Bloodstain Pattern
bloodstain pattern analysis terminology
Refer to the ASB TR 033, Terms and Definitions in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis document for all terms specific to BPA.
Bloodstain Pattern Analyst
An individual who has completed the prescribed course of study.
bloodstain pattern analyst (BPA)
An individual who has successfully completed a bloodstain pattern analyst training program.
Blunt Force Pattern Injury
blunt trauma
A skeletal defect produced by low-velocity impact from a blunt object (e.g., being struck by an object or concussive wave) or the low-velocity impact of a body with a blunt surface (e.g., motor vehicle accident or fall).
Body Burden Calculation
An estimate of the total drug in the body based on quantitative analysis of blood, urine, and/or tissue samples
Body Condition
Weight for frame and relative proportions of muscle and fat.
Body Condition
Weight for frame and relative proportions of muscle and fat.
body condition score
A quantitative number, based on a species-specific published scale, used to estimate body composition in the form of fat and muscle.
Body Condition Scoring
The process of evaluating the relative fat composition of the canine. Scores are based on 1 to 5 with normal as a 2-3; or 1-9 with normal as a 4-5.
Body Condition Scoring
The process of evaluating the relative fat composition of the canine. Scores are based on 1 to 5 with normal as a 2 to 3; or 1 to 9 with normal as a 4 to 5.
Body Fluids
Fluids associated with a human body (e.g., sweat, saliva, blood, vomit, decomposition fluids).
Bomb
Bond
Positive relationship, rapport between canines or a human(s) and a canine.
Bonding
The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that ensures electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed.
Bone Folder
A piece of shaped bone or other material, such as plastic or non-stick material, typically used by bookbinders to crease paper and to separate pieces of paper that are stuck together.
bone folder
A piece of shaped bone or other material, such as plastic or non-stick material, typically used by bookbinders to crease paper and to separate pieces of paper that are stuck together.
Booby trap
Booster
Boundary Testing
Checking to confirm expected outputs are obtained when inputs are at the limits of the software (e.g., testing allele frequencies below the 5/2N minimum threshold or testing upper and lower limits for amplification setup calculations).
Boxer primer
Bragg Equation or Bragg's Law
Braid
Branched alkane
Brannock Device
Breath Alcohol Program
organizational structure including policies, procedures, responsibilities, and resources necessary for implementing core breath alcohol activities. Activities include, but may not be limited to, requirements or specifications for reference material, training of operators, maintenance and calibration of instrumentation, the evidential breath alcohol test sequence, and record retention.
Breath Alcohol Program
An organizational structure including policies, procedures, responsibilities and resources necessary for implementing core breath alcohol activities. NOTE The Breath Alcohol Program includes, but may not be limited to, requirements or specifications for reference materials, training of operators, maintenance and calibration of instrumentation, the evidential breath alcohol test sequence, and record retention.