An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To uncover the presence of, as of a sought-for nuclear particle or an astronomical object.
In radio communication, to extract the signal from its modulated carrier wave.

Etymology (EN): From M.E., from L. detectus, p.p. of detegere “uncover, disclose,” from → de- reversal prefix + tegere “to cover.”

Etymology (PE): škâridan “to reveal,” infinitive of âškâr “manifest, clear,” Mid.Pers. âškârak “manifest,” from Proto-Iranian *âviškâra- from *âviš, Av. âviš “manifestly,” + *kâra-, from kar- “to do, make,” cf. Skt. avistya- “apparent, manifest.”