verb
detect
dih-TEKT/dɪˈtekt/
Notice or discover the presence of something.
The mechanic detects a small leak beneath the pipe joint.
Etymology
The original image is taking a covering off something and laying it bare. This became revealing something hidden or secret, then more generally discovering or noticing its presence.
In context
I could use this sequence as a marker to detect a wide spectrum of viruses, without having to make something individual.
More examples
- She detected a note of anger in his voice.
- The test detected no contamination.
- They are trying to detect the source of the noise.
Forms
detect · detects · detected · detecting
detection noun — discovery of presence
detectable adjective — able to be noticed or discovered