defect

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noun de·fect \ˈdē-ˌfekt, di-ˈ\

Definition of defect

1a : an imperfection that impairs worth or utility : shortcoming the grave defects in our foreign policy A defect prevented the DVD from playing properly.b chemistry : an imperfection (such as a vacancy or an unlike atom) in a crystal lattice (see lattice 2)
2 [Latin defectus] : a lack of something necessary for completeness, adequacy, or perfection : deficiency a hearing defect

See defect defined for English-language learners

See defect defined for kids

Examples of defect in a Sentence

They examine their products for defects.
She was born with a heart defect.
Vanity and pride were his two worst character defects.

Origin and Etymology of defect

Middle English, from Latin defectus lack, from deficere to desert, fail, from de- + facere to do — more at do

First Known Use: 15th century

defect

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verb de·fect \di-ˈfekt\

Definition of defect

intransitive verb
1 : to forsake one cause, party, or nation for another often because of a change in ideology a former KGB agent who defected to America
2 : to leave one situation (such as a job) often to go over to a rival the reporter defected to another network

defector

play \-ˈfek-tər\ noun

See defect defined for English-language learners

Examples of defect in a Sentence

The Russian scholar defected in 1979.
She defected from the conservative party.
He defected to the West before the war began.
The reporter defected to another TV network.

Origin and Etymology of defect

Latin defectus, past participle of deficere —see ¹defect

First Known Use: 1596

DEFECT Defined for English Language Learners

defect

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noun

Definition of defect for English Language Learners

: a physical problem that causes something to be less valuable, effective, healthy, etc.
: something that causes weakness or failure

defect

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verb

Definition of defect for English Language Learners

: to leave a country, political party, organization, etc., and go to a different one that is a competitor or an enemy

DEFECT Defined for Kids

defect

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noun de·fect \ˈdē-ˌfekt, di-ˈfekt\

Definition of defect for Students

1 : something that makes a thing imperfect : flaw A slight defect lowered the diamond's value.
2 : a lack of something needed for perfection Doctors can correct the hearing defect.

Medical Dictionary

defect

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noun de·fect \ˈdē-ˌfekt, di-ˈ\

Medical Definition of defect

: a lack or deficiency of something necessary for adequacy in form or function a hearing defect

Law Dictionary

defect

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noun de·fect \ˈdē-ˌfekt, di-ˈfekt\

Legal Definition of defect

: something or a lack of something that results in incompleteness, inadequacy, or imperfection: as a : a flaw in something (as a product) especially that creates an unreasonable risk of harm in its normal use — see also latent defect b : an error or omission in a court document (as an indictment or pleading) c : some imperfection in the chain of title to property that makes the title unmarketable