tr.v. de·tect·ed, de·tect·ing, de·tects 1. To discover or ascertain the existence, presence, or fact of. 2. To discern (something hidden or subtle): detected a note of sarcasm in the remark. 3. To learn something hidden and often improper about: detected the manager in a lie. 4. Electronics To demodulate. [Middle English detecten, from Latin dētegere, dētēct-, to uncover : dē-, de- + tegere, to cover; see (s)teg- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] de·tecta·ble, de·tecti·ble adj. de·tecter n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.