defect
[ noun dee-fekt, dih-fekt; verb dih-fekt ]
/ noun ˈdi fɛkt, dɪˈfɛkt; verb dɪˈfɛkt /
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noun
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 crystal defect, lattice 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)
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.
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Origin of defect
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” (see deficient) + -tus suffix of verb action
synonym study for defect
1. 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.).
OTHER WORDS FROM defect
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use defect in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for defect
defect
noun (dɪˈfɛkt, ˈdiːfɛkt)
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 solidSee also point defect, dislocation (def. 3)
verb (dɪˈfɛkt)
(intr) to desert one's country, cause, allegiance, etc, esp in order to join the opposing forces
Derived forms of defect
defector, nounWord Origin for defect
C15: from Latin dēfectus, from dēficere to forsake, fail; see deficient
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for defect
defect
[ dē′fĕkt′, dĭ-fĕkt′ ]
n.
A lack of or abnormality in something necessary for normal functioning; a deficiency or imperfection.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.