The term 'detects' can be defined as the act of discovering or recognizing something, usually through observation or investigation. This term can be broken down into six different crossword solutions: ESPIES (6 letters), Senses (6 letters), SPOTS (5 letters), SCENTS (6 letters), SMELLS (6 letters), and Makesout (8 letters). ESPIES refers to the act of spying or observing secretly, while Senses is the ability to perceive or recognize something through the use of one's senses. SPOTS is the act of recognizing or noticing something, while SCENTS is the ability to smell or recognize a particular odor. SMELLS is the act of perceiving an odor, and Makesout is the act of recognizing or understanding something. All of these words together describe the act of detecting something, which is the act of discovering or recognizing something.