de·fect /'dē-ˌfekt, di-'fekt/ n: something or a lack of something that results in incompleteness, inadequacy, or imperfection: as
a: a flaw in something (as a product) esp. that creates an unreasonable risk of harm in its normal use see also latent defect
b: an error or omission in a court document (as an indictment or pleading)
c: some imperfection in the chain of title to property that makes the title unmarketable
de·fec·tive /di-'fek-tiv/ adj
de·fec·tive·ly adv
de·fec·tive·ness n
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.