The DHS Lexicon is a unified controlled vocabulary that DHS and its Components use when communicating and sharing data. It was created by combining and standardizing the different vocabularies used by the Department. By providing a common definition for the terms used 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.