Discovers or identifies the presence of something, especially something hidden or not immediately obvious. Notices or perceives through careful observation or use of instruments.
From Latin 'detectus', past participle of 'detegere' meaning to uncover or expose, from 'de-' (completely) + 'tegere' (to cover). The word literally means to uncover what has been covered or hidden.
The word 'detect' beautifully captures the essence of investigation - it literally means to 'un-cover' something that was covered. This makes every detection, whether by a detective solving crimes or a smoke detector sensing danger, an act of revelation and uncovering truth.
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