Past tense of detect; discovered or identified the presence of something that was previously hidden, unknown, or difficult to perceive. Found evidence of something through careful observation or investigation.
From Latin 'detectus,' past participle of 'detegere' meaning 'to uncover, expose,' from 'de-' (completely) plus 'tegere' (to cover). Entered English in the 15th century, originally meaning to expose or reveal what was concealed.
The etymology reveals detection as literally 'uncovering' - removing the cover from something hidden. Modern detection technology, from smoke detectors to medical scanners, extends our senses far beyond human capabilities, allowing us to 'uncover' everything from cancer cells to distant planets.
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