Forensic Science Terminology Glossary (A–Z) | Spanish-English
The Silent Witness
Forensic Science Terminology
A Professional Gift to the Interpreting Community from Samuel Arcelay
When interpreting forensic testimony, imagine you are looking through a microscope. The language here is precise, Latin-based, and unemotional. You must render detailed descriptions of autopsies, decomposition, and examinations with scientific detachment.
A
Accelerant (Fire Investigation)Acelerante (investigación de incendios)
Definition: Substance used to initiate or accelerate fire (e.g., gasoline).
Notes: Detected using chemical analysis.
Context: Arson investigations.
Notes: Detected using chemical analysis.
Context: Arson investigations.
Accredited LaboratoryLaboratorio acreditado
Definition: Forensic lab meeting national standards for testing reliability.
Notes: Required for admissible results.
Notes: Required for admissible results.
AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System)AFIS / Sistema Automatizado de Identificación de Huellas
Definition: Database used to compare latent prints with known prints.
Aging Bruise AnalysisAnálisis de envejecimiento de moretones
Definition: Estimation of bruise age by color progression and tissue examination.
Air-Drying (Evidence)Secado al aire (procesamiento de evidencia)
Definition: Method used to dry wet evidence without heat to prevent DNA degradation.
Alternate Light Source (ALS)Fuente de luz alternativa (ALS)
Definition: High-intensity light used with filters to visualize bodily fluids and trace evidence.
Amino Acid DetectionDetección de aminoácidos
Definition: Chemical process used to reveal fingerprints on porous surfaces.
Analysis of Trace FibersAnálisis de fibras traza
Definition: Microscopic examination of fabric fibers to determine source.
B
Ballistics (Firearms Examination)Balística (examen de armas de fuego)
Definition: Study of firearms, ammunition, and projectile trajectories.
Biological EvidenceEvidencia biológica
Definition: Bodily materials such as blood, saliva, semen, or tissue.
Bite Mark AnalysisAnálisis de marcas de mordida
Definition: Comparison of dental patterns to injuries.
Notes: Now considered controversial reliability.
Notes: Now considered controversial reliability.
Blood Pattern AnalysisAnálisis de patrones de sangre
Definition: Interpretation of bloodstains to understand actions or direction of force.
Blood Spatter vs. Blood SplatterSalpicadura de sangre vs. dispersión de sangre
Definition: “Spatter” is the scientific term; “splatter” is incorrect in forensics.
Body FarmGranja forense / centro de descomposición humana
Definition: Research facility studying human decomposition under controlled environments.
Breathalyzer CalibrationCalibración del alcoholímetro
Definition: Routine testing to ensure breath alcohol devices give accurate readings.
Bruise DocumentationDocumentación de moretones
Definition: Photography and measurement of contusions to assess force and timing.
C
Cadaver DogPerro detector de cadáveres
Definition: Trained K-9 used to locate human remains.
Chain of CustodyCadena de custodia
Definition: Documentation showing who handled evidence from collection to court.
Chemical Enhancement (Latent Prints)Mejoramiento químico (huellas latentes)
Definition: Use of chemicals like ninhydrin to make faint fingerprints visible.
Contamination ControlControl de contaminación
Definition: Protocols preventing foreign DNA from entering evidence.
Control Sample (Known Sample)Muestra de control (muestra conocida)
Definition: Sample of known origin used for comparison with questioned evidence.
CoronerForense / juez de instrucción
Definition: Official who investigates deaths; may not be a medical doctor.
Crime Scene ReconstructionReconstrucción de la escena del crimen
Definition: Scientific re-creation of events using evidence and physics.
Cross-ContaminationContaminación cruzada
Definition: Accidental transfer of evidence from one item to another.
D
Death Scene Investigator (DSI)Investigador de escena de muerte
Definition: Specialist documenting scenes involving deceased persons.
Decomposition Stage AnalysisAnálisis de etapas de descomposición
Definition: Study of bodily changes postmortem to estimate time since death.
Digital ForensicsInformática forense
Definition: Recovery and analysis of data from electronic devices.
DNA Amplification (PCR)Amplificación de ADN (PCR)
Definition: Lab technique that creates millions of DNA copies for testing.
DNA DegradationDegradación de ADN
Definition: Breakdown of genetic material due to environment or time.
Document ExaminationExamen de documentos cuestionados
Definition: Determining authenticity through handwriting and ink analysis.
Druggist Fold (Evidence Fold)Doblado de farmacéutico (sobre de evidencia)
Definition: Paper fold used to store small particles like hair or paint chips.
Dry Swab CollectionToma de muestra con hisopo seco
Definition: Swabbing a surface without liquid to collect biological material.
E
EDTA TestingPrueba EDTA (integridad de muestra de sangre)
Definition: Determines if blood was fresh or came from a preserved tube.
Ejection Pattern (Firearms)Patrón de eyección (armas de fuego)
Definition: Distribution pattern of spent cartridge casings.
Electropherogram (DNA Chart)Electroferograma (gráfico de ADN)
Definition: Visual representation of DNA peaks used for matching.
Entomology (Forensic)Entomología forense
Definition: Study of insects to estimate time of death.
Evidence MarkerMarcador de evidencia
Definition: Numbered item placed next to evidence during photography.
Exclusionary FindingsHallazgos excluyentes
Definition: Results showing a suspect did not match forensic evidence.
Explosive Residue AnalysisAnálisis de residuos explosivos
Definition: Testing for chemical traces after a detonation.
F
Face Recognition ComparisonComparación de reconocimiento facial
Definition: Analysis of facial features from video or images for ID.
Fingerprint Ridge DetailDetalle de crestas dactilares
Definition: Unique patterns (loops, whorls) used for identification.
Fire Debris AnalysisAnálisis de restos de incendio
Definition: Chemical testing to detect accelerants.
Footwear Impression AnalysisAnálisis de impresiones de calzado
Definition: Examination of shoe prints for size, brand, and wear.
Forensic AnthropologistAntropólogo forense
Definition: Scientist who identifies skeletal remains (sex, age, trauma).
Forensic OdontologyOdontología forense
Definition: Analysis of dental evidence for identification.
Forensic PathologyPatología forense
Definition: Medical specialty determining cause and manner of death.
Forensic ToxicologyToxicología forense
Definition: Testing fluids for drugs, alcohol, or poisons.
G
Gait AnalysisAnálisis de la marcha
Definition: Study of walking patterns to identify a person on video.
Gastric Emptying (Time of Death)Vaciado gástrico (hora de la muerte)
Definition: Estimating time of death by analyzing stomach contents.
GC–MSCromatografía de gases–espectrometría de masas
Definition: Gold standard lab technique identifying chemical substances.
Genetic MarkerMarcador genético
Definition: Specific DNA sequences used for identification.
GSR Stippling PatternPatrón de tatuaje por residuos de disparo
Definition: Abrasions caused by unburned powder; indicates range.
Gunshot Residue (GSR)Residuo de disparo (GSR)
Definition: Microscopic particles from fired weapons (lead, barium).
Gunshot Wound PathologyPatología de heridas de bala
Definition: Study of angle, range, and weapon characteristics.
H
Handwriting ComparisonComparación de escritura manuscrita
Definition: Examination of strokes and pressure to determine authorship.
Hard Drive ImagingImagen forense de disco duro
Definition: Exact copy of digital storage for investigation.
Hemotrace TestPrueba Hemotrace
Definition: Presumptive test used to detect human blood.
Hepatic TemperatureTemperatura hepática
Definition: Liver temperature used to estimate early PMI.
High-Velocity Impact Spatter (HVIS)Salpicadura por impacto de alta velocidad
Definition: Fine mist bloodstain pattern associated with gunshots.
HIV/DNA Contamination RiskRiesgo de contaminación por VIH/ADN
Definition: Safety protocols for handling biological evidence.
Hypostasis (Livor Mortis)Hipóstasis (livor mortis)
Definition: Settling of blood after death; creates purple discoloration.
I
IBISIBIS / Sistema Integrado de Identificación Balística
Definition: National database comparing cartridge casings and bullets.
Impression EvidenceEvidencia de impresión
Definition: Marks left by footprints, tire tracks, or tools.
Incendiary DeviceDispositivo incendiario
Definition: Object designed to intentionally cause fire.
Infrared SpectroscopyEspectroscopía infrarroja
Definition: Technique identifying drugs, plastics, or paints via IR.
Ink Dating AnalysisAnálisis de antigüedad de tinta
Definition: Chemical testing to estimate when ink was used.
Insect Activity TimelineCronología de actividad de insectos
Definition: Estimating PMI based on colonization stages.
Isotope AnalysisAnálisis de isótopos
Definition: Examining isotopes in tissue to determine geographic history.
J
Joint Analysis (Interdisciplinary)Análisis conjunto
Definition: Collaboration between multiple forensic fields for one case.
Joint Trauma EvaluationEvaluación de trauma articular
Definition: Examination of bone joints for struggle indicators.
Joule Heating Injury (Electrical)Lesión por calentamiento Joule
Definition: Tissue damage caused by heat from electrical current.
JPEG Artifact AnalysisAnálisis de artefactos JPEG
Definition: Identifying edited digital images via compression markers.
Judicial Search of Digital DevicesRegistro judicialmente autorizado de dispositivos digitales
Definition: Forensic extraction with specific legal authorization.
K
Keratin EvidenceEvidencia de queratina (cabello/uñas)
Definition: Analyzing hair/nails for DNA or toxins.
Kinetic Energy TransferTransferencia de energía cinética
Definition: Measurement of bullet energy tissue destruction.
Knife Impression PatternsPatrones de impresión de cuchillos
Definition: Analysis of stab characteristics to identify blade shape.
Known Standards (Reference)Estándares conocidos de referencia
Definition: Validated materials used to calibrate instruments.
L
Laceration vs. Incised WoundLaceración vs. herida incisa
Definition: Laceration: tissue tear. Incised: clean cut by sharp object.
Latent Fingerprint DevelopmentRevelado de huellas latentes
Definition: Methods (powder, fuming) to visualize invisible prints.
Ligature Mark AnalysisAnálisis de marcas de ligadura
Definition: Examination of marks from ropes or restraints.
Locard’s Exchange PrinciplePrincipio de Intercambio de Locard
Definition: Foundation of trace evidence: every contact leaves a trace.
Low-Copy-Number DNA (LCN DNA)ADN de bajo número de copias
Definition: Testing small quantities of DNA requiring high sensitivity.
Luminol TestPrueba de luminol
Definition: Chemical revealing trace blood through light reaction.
M
Magnetometer ScanEscaneo con magnetómetro
Definition: Device detecting buried metal objects or shell casings.
Manner of DeathManera de muerte
Definition: Classification: natural, accidental, suicide, homicide, or undetermined.
Mass SpectrometryEspectrometría de masas
Definition: Measuring molecular composition to identify drugs/toxins.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)ADN mitocondrial
Definition: Maternally inherited DNA used when nuclear DNA is degraded.
Mixed DNA ProfilePerfil de ADN mixto
Definition: Profile showing genetic material from two or more people.
Morphology (Hair & Fiber)Morfología (cabello y fibras)
Definition: Microscopic structure used to compare materials.
MummificationMomificación (cambio postmortem)
Definition: Tissue preservation due to dehydration.
Muscle Response Testing (Taser)Prueba de respuesta muscular
Definition: Examining burn patterns or effects to confirm stun gun use.
N
NASH ClassificationClasificación NASH (autopsia)
Definition: Categorization as Natural, Accidental, Suicide, or Homicide.
Negative Control SampleMuestra de control negativo
Definition: Blank sample used to detect contamination in testing.
Ninhydrin ReactionReacción de ninidrina
Definition: Chemical process turning amino acids purple on paper.
NIST StandardsNormas NIST (ciencia forense)
Definition: National standards ensuring forensic accuracy.
Nuclear DNA ProfilePerfil de ADN nuclear
Definition: Genetic profile based on cell nucleus markers.
Numerical Aperture (Microscopy)Apertura numérica (microscopía)
Definition: light-gathering ability of a lens.
O
Oblique LightingIluminación oblicua
Definition: Low-angle lighting revealing surface textures.
Ocular Hemorrhage ReviewRevisión de hemorragia ocular
Definition: Eye examination for injuries common in strangulation.
Odontology ChartingRegistro odontológico
Definition: Recording dental features for identification.
Odor Signature AnalysisAnálisis de firma de olor
Definition: Chemical analysis used by cadaver dogs or arson detection.
Open Source Digital ForensicsInformática forense de código abierto
Definition: Non-proprietary software tools used to recover evidence.
Organophosphate DetectionDetección de organofosfatos
Definition: Identifying agricultural or chemical poisons.
P
Paint Layer Sequence AnalysisAnálisis de secuencia de capas de pintura
Definition: Matching objects via paint composition and layers.
Patterned Injury AnalysisAnálisis de lesiones con patrón
Definition: Interpretation of injuries that mirror a causative object.
PCR InhibitionInhibición de PCR
Definition: Substances preventing DNA amplification (soil, dyes).
Pedigree Chart (DNA)Árbol genealógico (linaje de ADN)
Definition: Diagram used in familial DNA searching.
Pharmacokinetic AnalysisAnálisis farmacocinético
Definition: Study of drug absorption/elimination to find dose/time.
Photo Documentation ProtocolProtocolo de documentación fotográfica
Definition: Standardized 3-level capture of crime scene evidence.
Postmortem Interval (PMI)Intervalo postmortem (IPM)
Definition: Estimated time since death based on biological changes.
Presumptive vs. Confirmatory TestsPruebas presuntivas vs. confirmatorias
Definition: Presumptive indicates possibility; confirmatory proves identity.
Projectile Deformation StudyEstudio de deformación de proyectiles
Definition: Analysis of bullet damage to find struck material.
Q
QDE (Questioned Document Examination)Examen de documentos cuestionados (QDE)
Definition: Examination of alterations and indented writing.
Qualitative Toxicology ScreenPrueba toxicológica cualitativa
Definition: Test showing presence or absence of drugs.
Quantitative Toxicology AnalysisAnálisis toxicológico cuantitativo
Definition: Determines exact concentration of a substance.
Quaternary Ammonium ResiduesResiduos de amonio cuaternario
Definition: Cleanup chemical detection at crime scenes.
Query Hit (Database Match)Coincidencia de consulta (base de datos)
Definition: Automated match from systems like CODIS or AFIS.
Questioned SampleMuestra cuestionada
Definition: Evidence of unknown origin submitted for comparison.
R
Raman SpectroscopyEspectrometría Raman
Definition: Identifying molecules via vibrational patterns.
Reagent-Based Fingerprint DevelopmentRevelado de huellas con reactivos
Definition: Use of chemicals to reveal latent prints on porous items.
Reconstruction of Gunshot TrajectoryReconstrucción de trayectoria de disparo
Definition: Determining bullet path via rods or lasers.
Reference Population Database (DNA)Base de datos poblacional de referencia (ADN)
Definition: Allele frequency collection used for match statistics.
Refrigeration Time (Storage Effect)Tiempo de refrigeración
Definition: documented cold storage affecting decomposition estimates.
Rigor MortisRigor mortis
Definition: Postmortem stiffening of muscles used to estimate PMI.
Root Banding (Hair)Bandas en la raíz (cabello)
Definition: hair root pattern indicating postmortem removal.
RT-PCR ForensicsRT-PCR forense
Definition: DNA quantification for degraded samples.
S
Saliva Screening TestPrueba de detección de saliva
Definition: Presumptive test locating saliva via amylase.
Scene ContainmentAseguramiento de la escena
Definition: Establishing boundaries to prevent contamination.
SCRAM Device DataDatos del dispositivo SCRAM
Definition: transdermal alcohol monitoring ankle records.
Secondary Transfer (Trace)Transferencia secundaria
Definition: when material moves through an intermediate object.
SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy)Microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM)
Definition: High-res imaging for particles like GSR.
SerologySerología
Definition: ID of bodily fluids before DNA testing.
Shotgun Pellet Spread AnalysisAnálisis de dispersión de perdigones
Definition: Measuring spread to estimate shooter distance.
SkeletonizationEsqueletización (etapa postmortem)
Definition: Advanced decomposition where only bones remain.
Soil Composition ComparisonComparación de composición del suelo
Definition: Linking mineral signatures to specific locations.
STR Profile (Short Tandem Repeat)Perfil STR (repeticiones cortas en tándem)
Definition: Standard DNA profile method used in CODIS.
Strangulation IndicatorsIndicadores de estrangulación
Definition: Petechiae, neck bruising, or hyoid bone fractures.
Substrate ControlControl de sustrato
Definition: sample from an unstained area to rule out background interference.
Superglue FumingRevelado con cianoacrilato
Definition: Using superglue vapors to adhere to fingerprint residue.
T
Tandem Mass SpectrometryEspectrometría de masas en tándem
Definition: Two-stage MS for precise chemical identification.
Taphonomy (Forensic)Tafonomía forense
Definition: Study of postmortem changes caused by environment.
Taser Barb AnalysisAnálisis de arpones de táser
Definition: Examining barb angle/depth to confirm deployment.
Thermal Degradation PatternsPatrones de degradación térmica
Definition: Burn patterns used to differentiate arson vs accident.
Tool Mark ComparisonComparación de marcas de herramientas
Definition: Microscopic matching of impressions to specific tools.
Touch DNAADN por contacto
Definition: DNA from skin cells left after brief contact.
Toxicology PanelPanel toxicológico
Definition: screening for multiple substances (opiates, THC).
Trace Element AnalysisAnálisis de elementos traza
Definition: Identifying unique chemical signatures in materials.
Trajectory Rod PlacementColocación de varillas de trayectoria
Definition: rods used to visualize bullet path.
U
Ultraviolet Light ExaminationExamen con luz ultravioleta
Definition: UV used to locate stains, fibers, or document alterations.
Undisturbed Soil LayerCapa de suelo no alterada
Definition: soil profile indicating no recent digging.
Unknown Biological StainMancha biológica desconocida
Definition: stain believed to be bodily but not yet typed.
Unspent Cartridge ExaminationExamen de cartucho sin disparar
Definition: analysis of live ammo for prints or tool marks.
Uterine Exam (Autopsy)Examen uterino (autopsia por agresión sexual)
Definition: reproductive trauma assessment in homocide cases.
V
Vacuum Collection (Trace)Recolección con aspiradora (evidencia traza)
Definition: using filtered vacuum to collect microscopic particles.
Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD)Deposición de metal al vacío (VMD)
Definition: Gold-zinc fuming for sensitive fingerprinting.
Verified Digital HashHash digital verificado
Definition: Cryptographic integrity check for digital evidence.
Vertical Motion Trauma (Falls)Trauma por caída vertical
Definition: Injury analysis distinguishing accidental vs intentional.
Vitreous Humor AnalysisAnálisis del humor vítreo
Definition: Testing eye fluid for toxins in decomposed remains.
W
Wipe Pattern (Bloodstain)Patrón de arrastre (mancha de sangre)
Definition: pattern created when an object wipes blood away.
Witness Mark ReconstructionReconstrucción de marcas de referencia
Definition: small trace marks used to identify tool interaction.
Witnessed Sample CollectionToma de muestra presenciada
Definition: collection of reference DNA/blood in police presence.
Wound Track AnalysisAnálisis de trayectoria de herida
Definition: assessing internal paths to find angle and force.
X
X-Ray Body ScanEscaneo corporal por rayos X
Definition: used to find foreign objects (bullets, knives) before autopsy.
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)Fluorescencia de rayos X (XRF)
Definition: non-destructive elemental composition analysis.
Xylophagous Insect ActivityActividad de insectos xilófagos
Definition: wood-boring insects assisting in PMI timeline.
Y
Y-STR AnalysisAnálisis Y-STR
Definition: DNA profiling of the Y-chromosome (paternal lineage).
Yeast and Fungal IndicatorsIndicadores de crecimiento de levaduras y hongos
Definition: fungal progression used to estimate PMI.
Z
Zero-Angle Bullet ImpactImpacto de bala a ángulo cero
Definition: Bullet striking surface perpendicularly.
Zinc Oxide FumingRevelado con óxido de zinc
Definition: High-contrast fingerprinting on plastics.
Zone Search MethodMétodo de búsqueda por zonas
Definition: Dividing scene into quadrants for systematic search.
Zoom Morphometry (3D)Morfometría con zoom (medición 3D)
Definition: digital 3D measurement of wound shapes.
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