noun
- a shortcoming, fault, or imperfection: a defect in an argument; a defect in a machine.
- lack or want, especially of something essential to perfection or completeness; deficiency: a defect in hearing.
- Also called crystal defect, lattice 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)
- 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.
noun (dɪˈfɛkt, ˈdiːfɛkt)
- a lack of something necessary for completeness or perfection; shortcoming; deficiency
- an imperfection, failing, or blemish
- crystallog a local deviation from regularity in the crystal lattice of a solidSee also point defect, dislocation (def. 3)
verb (dɪˈfɛkt)
- (intr) to desert one’s country, cause, allegiance, etc, esp in order to join the opposing forces
1570s, from Latin defectus, past participle of deficere “to fail, desert” (see defect (n.)). Related: Defected; defecting.
early 15c., from Middle French defect and directly from Latin defectus “failure, revolt, falling away,” noun use of past participle of deficere “to fail, desert” (see deficient).
n.
- A lack of or abnormality in something necessary for normal functioning; a deficiency or imperfection.