defect

[ noun dee-fekt, dih-fekt; verb dih-fekt ]

noun

1. a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in a machine.

   a defect in an argument;

   a defect in a machine.

2. lack or want, especially of something essential to perfection or completeness; deficiency: a defect of action.

   a defect of common sense

   a defect of action.

3. Also called crystal defect, Crystallography. a discontinuity in the lattice of a crystal caused by missing or extra atoms or ions, or by dislocations.

verb (used without object)

1. to desert a cause, country, etc., especially in order to adopt another (often followed by from or to ):

   He defected from the U.S.S.R. to the West.

defect

noun

1. a lack of something necessary for completeness or perfection; shortcoming; deficiency
2. an imperfection, failing, or blemish
3. crystallog a local deviation from regularity in the crystal lattice of a solid See also point defect dislocation

verb

1. intr to desert one's country, cause, allegiance, etc, esp in order to join the opposing forces

Derived Forms

• deˈfector, noun

Other Words From

• de·fect·i·ble adjective
• de·fect·i·bil·i·ty [dih-fek-t, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], noun
• de·fect·less adjective
• non·de·fect·ing adjective
• pre·de·fect noun
• re·de·fect verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of defect¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin dēfectus “failure, weakness,” equivalent to dēfec-, variant stem of dēficere “to run short, fail, weaken” ( deficient ) + -tus suffix of verb action

Word History and Origins

Origin of defect¹

C15: from Latin dēfectus, from dēficere to forsake, fail; see deficient

Synonym Study

Defect, blemish, flaw refer to faults that detract from perfection. Defect is the general word for any kind of shortcoming or imperfection, whether literal or figurative: a defect in eyesight, in a plan. A blemish is usually a defect on a surface, which mars the appearance: a blemish on her cheek. Flaw is applied to a defect in quality, caused by imperfect structure (as in a diamond) or brought about during manufacture (as in texture of cloth, in clearness of glass, etc.).

Example Sentences

The MoD says research has found no link between the nuclear tests, ill health and genetic defects in children.

From BBC

Manufacturing quality control of components, as well, often hinges on extremely small distances that can mean the difference between a perfect part and a tiny defect that could eventually cause a dangerous mechanical failure.

From Science Daily

Folic acid is to be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour in the UK to help prevent birth defects.

From BBC

DfI figures show there have been almost 120,000 road defects and potholes recorded in Northern Ireland since January this year, and structural maintenance expenditure has been increasing year on year.

From BBC

This increases the risk of inbreeding, which could result in birth defects.

From BBC

Related Words

• abandon
• abscond
• depart
• desert
• pull out
• quit
• reject
• renounce
• revolt
• withdraw