Able to be discovered or identified through observation or investigation. Capable of being noticed or perceived.
From Latin 'detectus,' past participle of 'detegere' meaning 'to uncover' or 'expose,' formed from 'de-' (away) + 'tegere' (to cover). The English suffix '-able' was added to create the adjective form.
The Latin root 'tegere' also gives us 'protect' (cover in front) and 'toga' (covering garment). Detection is literally about 'uncovering' what was hidden, making every detective a professional uncoverer.
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