defect

[dee-fekt, dih-fekt, dih-fekt]

noun

1. a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in a machine.

   a defect in an argument;

   a defect in a machine.

2. lack or want, especially of something essential to perfection or completeness; deficiency: a defect of action.

   a defect of common sense

   a defect of action.

3. Also called lattice defect. Also called crystal defect,. Crystallography.,  a discontinuity in the lattice of a crystal caused by missing or extra atoms or ions, or by dislocations.

verb (used without object)

1. to desert a cause, country, etc., especially in order to adopt another (often followed by from orto ).

   He defected from the U.S.S.R. to the West.

defect

noun

1. a lack of something necessary for completeness or perfection; shortcoming; deficiency

2. an imperfection, failing, or blemish

3. crystallog a local deviation from regularity in the crystal lattice of a solid See also point defect dislocation

verb

1. (intr) to desert one's country, cause, allegiance, etc, esp in order to join the opposing forces

Other Word Forms

• defector noun
• defectible adjective
• defectibility noun
• defectless adjective
• nondefecting adjective
• predefect noun
• redefect verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of defect¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin dēfectus “failure, weakness,” equivalent to dēfec-, variant stem of dēficere “to run short, fail, weaken” ( deficient ) + -tus suffix of verb action

Word History and Origins

Origin of defect¹

C15: from Latin dēfectus, from dēficere to forsake, fail; see _deficient

Synonym Study

Defect, blemish, flaw refer to faults that detract from perfection. Defect is the general word for any kind of shortcoming or imperfection, whether literal or figurative: a defect in eyesight, in a plan. A blemish is usually a defect on a surface, which mars the appearance: a blemish on her cheek. Flaw is applied to a defect in quality, caused by imperfect structure (as in a diamond) or brought about during manufacture (as in texture of cloth, in clearness of glass, etc.).

Example Sentences

That he did not defect undoubtedly delayed his election to Westminster but, once there, he became a star of both his party and the parliament.

From BBC

Kruger, who defected from the Conservatives last week, said that was not the case but told the BBC that "prioritising UK citizens" and culture was necessary.

From BBC

It is one of the only pain relievers recommended for pregnant women, as others like ibuprofen have been linked to birth defects and other adverse outcomes.

From BBC

In fact, studies show that untreated fever in pregnancy is associated with higher risk of heart and facial birth defects, miscarriage and neurodevelopmental disorders — including autism.

From Los Angeles Times

It is caused by a gene defect, and a person with the condition has a 50% chance of passing it on to a child of their own.

From BBC

Related Words

• bug 
• crack 
• deficiency 
• deformity 
• error 
• fault 
• flaw 
• glitch 
• injury 
• irregularity 
• lack 
• mistake 
• shortage 
• shortcoming 
• weakness