flaw

The definition of a flaw is a mark or error that makes something faulty.

(noun)

See flaw in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a break, scratch, crack, etc. that spoils something; blemish: a flaw in a diamond
a defect; fault; error: a flaw in a legal document, in one's reasoning, etc.

Origin: ME, a flake, scale, splinter, prob. < or akin to ON flaga, thin layer: for IE base see flake

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to make or become faulty

Related Forms:

noun

a sudden, brief gust of wind, often with rain or snow; squall

Origin: < or akin to ON flaga, sudden onset < IE base *plāk-, *plāg-, to strike, beat > flicker, L plangere, to beat (the breast)

See flaw in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An imperfection, often concealed, that impairs soundness: a flaw in the crystal that caused it to shatter. See Synonyms at blemish.
A defect or shortcoming in something intangible: They share the character flaw of arrogance.
A defect in a legal document that can render it invalid.

tr. & intr.v. flawed, flaw·ing, flaws

To make or become defective.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English flaue, splinter

Origin: , perhaps from Old Norse flaga, slab of stone; see plāk-¹ in Indo-European roots

noun