1. The act of discovering or noticing something, especially by careful observation
   "His detection of the rare bird excited the entire birdwatching group";
   - catching, espial, spying, spotting
    
2. The perception that something has occurred or some state exists
   "early detection can often lead to a cure";
   - sensing
    
3. The detection that a signal is being received
   "The radio telescope's signal detection capabilities were crucial for the research";
   - signal detection
    
4. A police investigation to determine the perpetrator
   "detection is hard on the feet";
   - detecting, detective work, sleuthing

Derived forms: detections

Type of: discovery, find, perception, police investigation, police work, reception, uncovering

Encyclopedia: Detection