detective

[dih-tek-tiv] /dɪˈtɛk tɪv/
noun
1.
a member of the police force or a private investigator whose function is to obtain information and evidence, as of offenses against the law.
adjective
2.
of or pertaining to detection or detectives:
a detective story.
3.
serving to detect; detecting:
various detective devices.
Origin
1830-40; detect + -ive
Examples from the web for detective
  • You're a detective at a crime scene with no visible evidence.
  • Even guessing at its scope requires economic detective work.
  • While the label may still apply, pioneering dental detective work has revealed unexpected news about the species' dietary variety.
  • Each lesson will be devoted to an observation culled from among the many exploits of the great detective.
  • Thus, this genealogical detective story also becomes part memoir, part family chronicle and part history lesson.
  • Electronic device would play audio clues while your detective chased the thief around the board.
  • It is the grist for irrational conspiratorial thinking as well as the food for good detective work.
  • In his spare time, mostly before breakfast, he writes bestselling detective thrillers.
  • Do some digital detective work to find the origin of each spice or herb.
  • So it is real fun detective work and the kids seem to really enjoy it too.
British Dictionary definitions for detective

detective

/dɪˈtɛktɪv/
noun
1.
  1. a police officer who investigates crimes
  2. See private detective
  3. (as modifier): a detective story
adjective
2.
used in or serving for detection
3.
serving to detect
Word Origin and History for detective
n.

1850, short for detective police, from detective (adj.), 1843; see detect + -ive.