detect
UK[dɪˈtekt]US[dɪˈtekt]
v
to discover or notice something, especially something that is not easy to see, hear, etc.
v
to discover or investigate a crime or criminals.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
tect
de
away, off
tect
cover
Etymology
the word 'detect' originates from the latin verb 'detegere', which is a compound of the prefix 'de-' (meaning 'off' or 'away') and the verb 'tegere' (meaning 'to cover'). the literal sense was 'to uncover' or 'to expose by removing a covering'. this concrete meaning evolved through late latin and middle french into the more abstract english sense of 'to discover' or 'find out', shifting the focus from physically removing a lid to figuratively revealing something hidden, such as a fact or a crime. the root 'tect' is also seen in related words like 'protect' (to cover in front) and 'detective' (one who uncovers).
Analysis
Structure: de (away, off) + tect (cover)
de- (prefix of Latin origin, meaning 'away from', 'off', 'down', indicating reversal or removal). tect (root of Latin origin, from 'tegere', meaning 'to cover').
Examples
the test can detect the presence of the virus in the blood.
sophisticated equipment is used to detect radiation leaks.
the investigation failed to detect any evidence of fraud.