detecter

de·tect

 (dĭ-tĕkt′)

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.

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[Middle English detecten, from Latin dētegere, dētēct-, to uncover : dē-, de- + tegere, to cover; see (s)teg- in Indo-European roots.]

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de·tect′a·ble, de·tect′i·ble adj.

de·tect′er n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.