detect

To detect is defined as to uncover or sense something previously hidden.

(verb)

An example of detect is for a guard to see a clue that something is wrong on a security camera.
An example of detect is to smell gas and suspect that there is a leak.

See detect in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to catch or discover, as in a misdeed
to discover or manage to perceive (something hidden or not easily noticed): to detect a flaw in an argument
Radio
1. rectify (sense )
2. demodulate
Obsolete to uncover; reveal

Origin: ME detecten < L detectus, pp. of detegere, to uncover < de-, from + tegere, to cover: see thatch

Related Forms:

See detect in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb de·tect·ed, de·tect·ing, de·tects

To discover or ascertain the existence, presence, or fact of.
To discern (something hidden or subtle): detected a note of sarcasm in the remark.
To learn something hidden and often improper about: detected the manager in a lie.
Electronics To demodulate.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English detecten

Origin: , from Latin dētegere, dētēct-, to uncover

Origin: : dē-, de-

Origin: + tegere, to cover; see (s)teg- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: