defect
a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in an argument;a defect in a machine.
lack or want, especially of something essential to perfection or completeness; deficiency: a defect of common sense;a defect of action.
Also called crys·tal de·fect, lattice defect. Crystallography. a discontinuity in the lattice of a crystal caused by missing or extra atoms or ions, or by dislocations.
to desert a cause, country, etc., especially in order to adopt another (often followed by from or to): He defected from the U.S.S.R. to the West.
Origin of defect
1synonym study For defect
Other words from defect
- de·fect·i·ble, adjective
- de·fect·i·bil·i·ty [dih-fek-tuh-bil-i-tee], /dɪˌfɛk təˈbɪl ɪ ti/, noun
- de·fect·less, adjective
- non·de·fect·ing, adjective
- pre·de·fect, noun
- re·de·fect, verb (used without object)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use defect in a sentence
It will play a role in fixing gene defects, things like sickle cell, which we haven’t had the treatments or even in the United States, not to mention in Africa.
For instance, while people with the genetic defects might benefit from receiving additional interferon early during an infection to boost their levels, those whose immune systems are going to mount a defense against the proteins would not.
Defects in early immune responses underlie some severe COVID-19 cases | Erin Garcia de Jesus | September 25, 2020 | Science NewsOf those 659 severely ill patients, 23 people had defects in immune genes that are involved in viral defense.
Defects in early immune responses underlie some severe COVID-19 cases | Erin Garcia de Jesus | September 25, 2020 | Science NewsThey told us the company’s e-bike had been found to have a defect and there had been an accident involving a user, after which the service was suspended.
HumanForest suspends London e-bike sharing service, cuts jobs after customer accident | Natasha Lomas | September 25, 2020 | TechCrunchWe contacted both companies to ask about the e-bike defect reported by HumanForest.
HumanForest suspends London e-bike sharing service, cuts jobs after customer accident | Natasha Lomas | September 25, 2020 | TechCrunch
“For a while, the only manifestations of change were people defecting to West Germany,” says Park.
North Korea’s Secret Movie Bootleggers: How Western Films Make It Into the Hermit Kingdom | Lizzie Crocker | December 22, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThat same poll showed one in four registered Republicans defecting to Davis.
The Syrian Army corporal had entertained thoughts of defecting for a long time.
Fearful of a U.S. Strike, Defectors Flee the Syrian Army | Mike Giglio | September 5, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTThose defecting from him, while generally unconvinced that Romney could do better, seem ready to simply try another approach.
A black Southern Democrat defecting to the GOP is pretty big news.
Artur Davis, Once a Key Obama Backer, Switches to Republican Party | Rich Galen | June 2, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTIn a case of an American defecting to a Communist country, shouldn't you have it?
Warren Commission (5 of 26): Hearings Vol. V (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President KennedyYes; what did he say about defecting to Russia; anything he said about that?
Warren Commission (8 of 26): Hearings Vol. VIII (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President KennedyThis letter says to his mother he is defecting to Russia—right?
Warren Commission (1 of 26): Hearings Vol. I (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President KennedyLarge numbers of the survivors were defecting to the banner of El Hassan.
Border, Breed Nor Birth | Dallas McCord Reynolds
British Dictionary definitions for defect
a lack of something necessary for completeness or perfection; shortcoming; deficiency
an imperfection, failing, or blemish
crystallog a local deviation from regularity in the crystal lattice of a solid: See also point defect, dislocation (def. 3)
(intr) to desert one's country, cause, allegiance, etc, esp in order to join the opposing forces
Origin of defect
1Derived forms of defect
- defector, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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