noun

defect

DEE-fekt/ˈdiːfekt/

A flaw or imperfection.

A cracked tooth creates a defect in the metal gear.

A single cracked cog tooth in a metal gear causing a gap in its engagement with another gear.

Etymology

The 'away' and 'do, make' components formed a verb meaning 'fail.' Its noun named a lack, especially of something essential to completeness, leading to the sense of a flaw or imperfection.

In context

Amoeba Sisters7:14

So, a septal defect could mean an opening and oxygen-rich blood could mix with oxygen-poor blood. Depending on the size, this can cause future problems such as an abnormal heartbeat

Circulatory System and Pathway of Blood Through the Heart

More examples

Inspectors found several defects.
The fabric had a small defect.
They corrected the design defect before production.

Forms

defect · defects

Similar words

flaw: Can be slight and need not affect function.
fault: Often identifies the cause of a problem.