detection

/dɪˈtɛkʃɪn/

/dɪˈtɛkʃən/

Other forms: detections

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.

Definitions of detection

1. noun

   the perception that something has occurred or some state exists
   “early detection can often lead to a cure”

   synonyms: sensing

   type of:

   perception

   the process of perceiving
2. noun

   the act of detecting something; catching sight of something
   synonyms: catching, espial, spotting, spying

   type of:

   discovery, find, uncovering

   the act of discovering something
3. noun

   the detection that a signal is being received
   synonyms: signal detection

   type of:

   reception

   quality or fidelity of a received broadcast
4. noun

   a police investigation to determine the perpetrator
   “detection is hard on the feet”

   synonyms: detecting, detective work, sleuthing

   type of:

   police investigation, police work

   the investigation of criminal activities