DHS Lexicon Terms and Definitions

Instruction Manual 262-12-001-01 DHS Lexicon Terms and Definitions

2017 Edition ? Revision 2

Issue Date ? October 16, 2017

Management Directorate Department of Homeland Security

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Prepared by:

DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicon Program Office of the Under Secretary for Management Management Directorate U.S. Department of Homeland Security lexicon@hq.

Version Table

No. Date 0 10/07/2008 1 12/16/2008 2 10/23/2009 3 01/26/2010 4 07/01/2010 5 07/14/2011 6 06/10/2013 7 10/01/2013 8 02/17/2014 9 04/23/2014 10 09/01/2015 11 05/13/2016 12 02/02/2017 13 05/26/2017 14 10/16/2017

Description First Release Revision and update. 2009 Edition 2010 Edition Revision and update 2011 Edition 2013 Edition Revision and update 2014 Edition Revision and update 2015 Edition 2016 Edition 2017 Edition Revision and update 1 Revision and update 2

Author DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer DHS Lexicographer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Overview ...................................................................................................................... i 2 Structured Definitions................................................................................................... i 3 Use of Definitions....................................................................................................... iii 4 Addition and Revision Instructions ............................................................................ iii 5 Terms and Definitions ................................................................................................. 1 6 Supplemental Information ....................................................................................... 722

DHS Lexicon

1 Overview

On March 31, 2004, the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) Lexicon Working Group recommended to the DHS Secretary Tom Ridge that DHS should create a Homeland Security Lexicon. HSAC believed that a lexicon was vital to DHS's success and to the future of the United States, and recommended that DHS "create, sustain, and promote the Homeland Security Lexicon" so that all language associated with DHS's work would be as descriptive, accurate, precise, and as widely understood as possible. In response, the Secretary created the DHS Lexicon Program in June 2004.

The DHS Lexicon is a unified controlled vocabulary that DHS and its Components can use when communicating and sharing data. We created this lexicon by combining and standardizing the different vocabularies used by the Department. By providing a common definition for the terms we use every day, the Lexicon reduces the possibility of misunderstandings when communicating across the Department and helps DHS to develop and manage knowledge, information, and data. The DHS Lexicon is the official source for terms and definitions supporting the Department and the homeland security community.

2 Structured Definitions

We define terms within the DHS Lexicon using an easy to follow format to help users rapidly and consistently understand the meaning of terminology used across Component's and all other areas of the homeland security community, as well as by other government agencies and the general public.

Definitions for terms within the DHS Lexicon are required to: ? Be in plain language and clearly defined; ? Express only a single meaning; and ? Not require additional interpretation.

Complete instructions on how we defined terms are available in the document Standardization of Homeland Security Terminology and Definitions. You may request this document by emailing lexicon@hq..

2.1.1 Definition Fields

In Part 5 "Terms and Definitions," you will find the terms listed in a chart. The columns contain the standard fields for expressing the meaning of any DHS Lexicon term.

They include the following:

Definition ? A statement of the meaning of a particular word or phrase. In its construction, a definition will always state the main object or root meaning first, followed by appropriate modification if necessary. Extended Definition ? If the term expresses a highly complex thought, a further explanatory statement or more detail may be required. An extended definition provides this supplemental information without

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repeating or contradicting the definition. Instead, it provides additional statements of fact further clarifying the definition, such as: ? Identification of distinguishing characteristics; ? Supporting facts or information; and ? What is included or not included in the definition.

Annotation ? An annotation is not considered part of the definition. Where necessary, an annotation provides additional comment or notation about the definition. For example, annotations can provide examples of the use of the definition, offer deeper elaboration, or cite legal use or interpretation.

Usage Sample ? Usage samples are not considered part of the definition. A usage sample shows how a term is used in a sentence in order to illustrate the context of the term in application or use.

2.1.2 Additional Fields

Acronym ? If a standard acronym or abbreviation is available for the term, it is also presented with the term and definition.

Synonym ? The DHS Lexicon recognizes instances where more than one term is commonly used to express a specific meaning. All such synonyms for any definition are identified with the main term and definition and are also referenced back to the main term.

See Also ? Sometimes, it is helpful to include references to additional items within the subject area or contrasting areas. "See also" identifies associated terms in the DHS Lexicon.

Supplemental Information ? When we have provided an illustration or additional information to help you understand or interpret the term or to show its relationship to other terms, we identify it by providing the name of the illustration in this field.

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3 Use of Definitions

You may use your discretion to choose how much information you extract from the DHS Lexicon to develop a glossary for a document or for single citation. If you believe your audience and purpose requires extra information, you may combine both the definition and extended definition in your glossary or citation.

1. Here is an examples of referencing "continuity" from the DHS Lexicon: continuity Definition: state or quality of being consistent, uninterrupted, or unbroken Extended Definition: maintain uninterrupted support to essential functions in spite of natural or man-made disasters; efforts to assure continuance of minimum essential functions across a wide range of potential emergencies, including localized act or nature, accidents, technologies and/or attack related emergencies Annotation: A generally broad term used to define the ability to continue operations with minimum interruption.

2. Possible ways to use the information from the reference term: a. continuity - state or quality of being consistent, uninterrupted, or unbroken

b. continuity - state or quality of being consistent, uninterrupted, or unbroken; maintain uninterrupted support to essential functions in spite of natural or man-made disasters; efforts to assure continuance of minimum essential functions across a wide range of potential emergencies, including localized act or nature, accidents, technologies, and/or attack related emergencies

c. continuity - state or quality of being consistent, uninterrupted, or unbroken (Note: A generally broad term used to define the ability to continue operations with minimum interruption.)

d. continuity - state or quality of being consistent, uninterrupted, or unbroken; maintain uninterrupted support to essential functions in spite of natural or man-made disasters; efforts to assure continuance of minimum essential functions across a wide range of potential emergencies, including localized act or nature, accidents, technologies and/or attack related emergencies (Note: A generally broad term used to define the ability to continue operations with minimum interruption.)

4 Addition and Revision Instructions

You may recommend including a term not currently listed in the DHS Lexicon, or request a revision to an existing item, by emailing the DHS Lexicographer at lexicon@hq. - DHS Lexicon term addition or revision.

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