Definition of detect

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de·tect    (d-tkt) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
de·tect·ed, de·tect·ing, de·tects

1. To discover or ascertain the existence, presence, or fact of.
2. To discern (something hidden or subtle): detected a note of sarcasm in the remark.
3. To learn something hidden and often improper about: detected the manager in a lie.
4. Electronics To demodulate.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English detecten, from Latin dtegere, dtct-, to uncover : d-, de- + tegere, to cover; see (s)teg- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
de·tecta·ble or de·tecti·ble(Adjective), de·tecter(Noun)