I. də̇ˈtektiv, dēˈ-, -ktēv, also -ktəv adjective
Etymology: detect + -ive
: fitted for, employed for, or concerned with detection
detective ability
detective fiction
II. noun
( -s )
: one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible : an investigator of private especially illicit or criminal affairs : a plainclothes police officer