I. di-ˈtek-tiv adjective
Date: 1732
1. : fitted for or used in detecting something
had perfected his detective sensibilities
2. : of or relating to detectives or their work
a detective novel
• de·tec·tive·like -ˌlīk adjective
II. noun
Date: 1849
: one employed or engaged in detecting lawbreakers or in getting information that is not readily or publicly accessible