What term describes the difference between the measured value and the true value?

The term that accurately describes the difference between the measured value and the true value is "error." In the context of measurements, error reflects the deviation from the actual value, indicating how accurate the measurement is. When a measurement is taken, there can be various factors that contribute to this difference, including instrument limitations, environmental influences, or inherent variability in the item being measured.

Understanding error is crucial in forensic analysis because it directly impacts the reliability of the results obtained from measurements and analyses. Acknowledging error allows forensic analysts to assess the validity of the data and take necessary steps to mitigate it, thereby improving the quality of forensic evidence presented in investigations or court proceedings.