detect

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈtɛkt/

verb

[with object]
  • discover or identify the presence or existence of: cancer may soon be detected in its earliest stages
  • discern (something intangible or barely perceptible): Paul detected a faint note of weariness in his father’s voice
  • discover or investigate (a crime or its perpetrators): the public can help the police to detect crime

Derivatives

detectable

adjective

detectably

adverb

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin detect- 'uncovered', from the verb detegere, from de- (expressing reversal) + tegere 'to cover'. The original senses were 'uncover, expose' and 'give someone away', later 'expose the real or hidden nature of'; hence the current (partly influenced by detective)