detection
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of finding or noticing something that is hidden or not easy to see.
the act or process of discovering the existence or presence of something hidden or obscure.
Simple“Early detection of the disease is very important for a quick recovery.”
In context“The early detection of structural flaws in the bridge prevented a potential disaster during the winter storms.”
UsageOften used with 'of' followed by the thing being found.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the work of finding out who committed a crime.
the investigation and discovery of criminal activity or the identity of a perpetrator.
Simple“The police use new technology for the detection of digital crimes.”
In context“Modern forensic techniques have significantly improved the rate of crime detection in cold cases from the previous decade.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the process of picking up or identifying a radio or electronic signal.
the extraction of information or a signal from a carrier wave.
Simple“The sensor is designed for the detection of very weak radio signals.”
In context“The laboratory specialised in the detection of gravitational waves, requiring equipment shielded from even the slightest seismic interference.”
UsageCommon in physics and telecommunications contexts.
Usage detection tools
“Euan Ritchie, a professor in wildlife ecology and conservation at Deakin university, said the detection of H5 bird flu in the much-loved little penguin population was “devastating”.”
“The regulator says the rule was intended to address the uncertainties surrounding cannabis impairment and detection; and airlines can impose stricter rules.”
Learned borrowing from Latin dētēctiōnem. By surface analysis, detect + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.