Definition of DEFECT

defect

Plural: defects

Noun

  • an imperfection in a bodily system
    • "visual defects"
    • "this device permits detection of defects in the lungs"
  • a failing or deficiency
    • "that interpretation is an unfortunate defect of our lack of information"
  • an imperfection in an object or machine
    • "if there are any defects you should send it back to the manufacturer"
  • a mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something (especially on a person's body)
  • A fault or malfunction.
  • The quantity or amount by which anything falls short.
  • A part by which a figure or quantity is wanting or deficient.

Verb

Verb Forms: defected, defecting, defects

  • To abandon one's allegiance or cause.
  • desert (a cause, a country or an army), often in order to join the opposing cause, country, or army
  • To abandon or turn against; to cease or change one's loyalty, especially from a military organisation or political party.
  • To desert one's army, to flee from combat.
  • To join the enemy army.
  • To flee one's country and seek asylum.

Examples

  • a defect in the ear or eye; a defect in timber or iron; a defect of memory or judgment
  • His loyalty to short, powerful words sometimes made him defect from longer bingo plays.

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from Latin defectus (“a failure, lack”), from deficere (“to fail, lack, literally 'undo'”), from past participle defectus, from de- (“of, from”) + facere (“to do”).

Scrabble Score: 12

defect: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
defect: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
defect: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 13

defect: valid Words With Friends Word