defect
a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in an argument;a defect in a machine.
lack or want, especially of something essential to perfection or completeness; deficiency: a defect of common sense;a defect of action.
Also called crys·tal de·fect, lattice defect. Crystallography. a discontinuity in the lattice of a crystal caused by missing or extra atoms or ions, or by dislocations.
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.
Origin of defect
1synonym study For defect
Other words from defect
- de·fect·i·ble, adjective
- de·fect·i·bil·i·ty [dih-fek-tuh-bil-i-tee], /dɪˌfɛk təˈbɪl ɪ ti/, noun
- de·fect·less, adjective
- non·de·fect·ing, adjective
- pre·de·fect, noun
- re·de·fect, verb (used without object)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for defect
a lack of something necessary for completeness or perfection; shortcoming; deficiency
an imperfection, failing, or blemish
crystallog a local deviation from regularity in the crystal lattice of a solid: See also point defect, dislocation (def. 3)
(intr) to desert one's country, cause, allegiance, etc, esp in order to join the opposing forces
Origin of defect
1Derived forms of defect
- defector, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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