detection

American  

[dih-tek-shuhn] / dɪˈtɛk ʃən /

noun

1. the act of detecting.

2. the fact of being detected.

3. discovery, as of error or crime.

   chance detection of smuggling.

4. Telecommunications.

   1. rectification of alternating signal currents in a radio receiver.

   2. 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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detection British  

/ dɪˈtɛkʃən /

noun

1. the act of discovering or the fact of being discovered

   detection of crime

2. the act or process of extracting information, esp at audio or video frequencies, from an electromagnetic wave See also demodulation

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• predetection
  noun

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.

Example Sentences

Department of Agriculture confirmed the detection of New World screwworm in the umbilical area of a bovine in Zavala County, Texas, more than 60 miles from the northern Mexico border.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Bad news for cattle ranchers: A calf in southern Texas tested positive for the New World screwworm, the first detection of the fly-borne parasite in U.S. livestock in 60 years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

"This detection should not cause panic, but it should reinforce the importance of awareness."

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

Many tumors reduce or eliminate MHC I as a way to avoid detection by CD8+ T cells.

From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2026

Ultrasonics had promising potential for physics, chemistry, and biology, ranging from the detection of underwater objects to the removal of diseased tissue, but the research required hugely expensive equipment.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• disclosure