Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of discovering or noticing the existence, presence, or fact of something: The process of finding or identifying something that is not obvious or is hidden.
   • The perception or realization that something has happened or exists: The act of becoming aware of a specific event or state.
   • (In technology) The process of identifying the presence of a signal, object, or substance: Often used in contexts like electronics, security, or medicine.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The early detection of the disease saved his life. (Becoming aware of the disease at an early stage saved his life.)
  • The new system allows for the detection of smoke and fire. (The new system enables the discovery of smoke and fire.)
  • His detection of the error prevented a major problem. (His discovery of the mistake prevented a serious issue.)

Advanced Usage

• "Escape detection": To avoid being discovered or noticed.

  • The spy managed to escape detection for years. (The spy succeeded in not being found for years.)

• "Detection limit": (Technical) The smallest amount of a substance that an instrument or method can reliably identify.

  • This sensor has a very low detection limit for toxic gases. (This sensor can identify very tiny amounts of poisonous gases.)

Variants and Related Words

• Detect (verb): To discover or identify the presence or existence of.

  • The test can detect the virus. (The test can find the virus.)

• Detector (noun): A device or instrument used to discover the presence of something.

  • A metal detector is used at airports. (A device for finding metal is used at airports.)

• Detective (noun): A person, especially a police officer, whose occupation is to investigate and detect crime.

  • The detective solved the mystery. (The investigator solved the puzzle.)

Synonyms

• Discovery: The act of finding something for the first time.
• Identification: The act of recognizing or naming something.
• Observation: The action of closely watching or noticing something.
• Perception: The ability to become aware of something through the senses.

Related Phrases

• Detection system: A set of devices or procedures designed to find something.

  • The building's detection system alerted everyone. (The building's discovery mechanism warned everyone.)

• Detection rate: The frequency or percentage at which something is successfully found.

  • The detection rate for this cancer has improved. (The rate at which this cancer is found has gotten better.)

Related Idioms

• "Fly under the radar": To avoid detection or attention. (Note: This idiom uses the concept of detection but is not a direct phrase with the word "detection".)
  • The small startup flew under the radar for a long time. (The small company avoided being noticed for a long time.)

Noun

1. a police investigation to determine the perpetrator
   • detection is hard on the feet
2. the detection that a signal is being received
3. the act of detecting something; catching sight of something
4. the perception that something has occurred or some state exists
   • early detection can often lead to a cure