detection
Americannoun
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the act of detecting.
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the fact of being detected.
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discovery, as of error or crime.
chance detection of smuggling.
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Telecommunications.
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rectification of alternating signal currents in a radio receiver.
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Also called demodulation. the conversion of an alternating, modulated carrier wave or current into a direct, pulsating current equivalent to the transmitted information-bearing signal.
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noun
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the act of discovering or the fact of being discovered
detection of crime
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the act or process of extracting information, esp at audio or video frequencies, from an electromagnetic wave See also demodulation
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of detection
1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin dētēctiōn- (stem of dētēctiō ), equivalent to Latin dētēct ( us ) ( see detect) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
Detection is the act of noticing or discovering something. At the airport, you might see German Shepherds trained in the detection of drug smuggling or explosives in luggage. Detection, detect, detective, detector — all are about noticing and discovering. A detective looks for clues that lead to the detection of the person who committed a crime. A metal detector is a machine created for the detection of coins people have left behind on the beach. Some teachers seem to have a third eye they use primarily for the detection of kids passing notes, or checking their cell phones during class.
Vocabulary lists containing detection
This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for January 30–February 5, 2021
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"Journeys," Vocabulary from Lesson 13
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"Introduction to Homeland Security," Vocabulary from Chapter 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He pointed out that Zscaler’s organic annual recurring-revenue growth was mostly driven by Red Canary — a cybersecurity subsidiary that specializes in managed detection and response — which Zscaler acquired last August.
From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026
The new architecture offers more than simple color detection.
From Science Daily • May 26, 2026
The Binance compliance reports said the Iranian actors moved funds using sophisticated techniques in an effort to evade detection.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
The system uses Flir thermal cameras and AI-powered detection technology developed by WhaleSpotter to detect the whales’ heat signature from up to four nautical miles, according to the release.
From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026
My cheeks flared hot with embarrassment, but I hoped the depot’s darkness would keep that information from Aunt Kate’s detection.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
