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noun
1.
a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in an argument; a defect in a machine.
2.
lack or want, especially of something essential to perfection or completeness; deficiency: a defect in hearing.
3.
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)
4.
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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Defecting
is always a great word to know.
So is doohickey. Does it mean:
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a gadget; dingus; thingumbob. |
Origin:
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin dēfectus failure, weakness, equivalent to dēfec- variant stem of dēficere to run short, fail, weaken (see deficient) + -tus suffix of v. action
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin dēfectus failure, weakness, equivalent to dēfec- variant stem of dēficere to run short, fail, weaken (see deficient) + -tus suffix of v. action
Related forms
de·fect·i·ble, adjective
de·fect·i·bil·i·ty, noun
de·fect·less, adjective
non·de·fect·ing, adjective
pre·de·fect, noun
EXPANDre·de·fect, verb (used without object)
COLLAPSESynonyms
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.).
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.).
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To defecting
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
defect
early 15c., from L. defectus "failure, revolt," from pp. of deficere "to fail, desert" (see deficient).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
defect de·fect (dē'fěkt', dĭ-fěkt')
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.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
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