I. ˈdēˌfekt also də̇ˈf- or dēˈf- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English defaicte shortcoming, from Middle French defect, from Latin defectus lack, from defectus past participle of deficere to desert, fail, be wanting, from de- + -ficere (from facere to make, do) — more at do
1. : an irregularity in a surface or a structure that spoils the appearance or causes weakness or failure : fault , flaw
carefully examine a piece of timber for defects
: shortcoming
a moral defect in his nature
several defects can be found in this argument
2.
[Latin defectus ]
: want or absence of something necessary for completeness, perfection, or adequacy in form or function : deficiency , weakness — opposed to excess
laziness may be caused by a defect of health
a defect in his hearing
Synonyms: see absence , blemish
II. də̇ˈfekt, dēˈ- sometimes ˈdēˌf- intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin defectus, past participle
1. obsolete : to become deficient : fail
2. : to forsake or fall away from a cause or party especially in order to embrace another : desert
he defected to the West