discovery

[dih-skuhv-uh-ree]

noun

plural

discoveries 

1. the act or process of seeing, finding, or gaining knowledge of something previously unknown, or an instance of this.

   The university is dedicated to the discovery, development, communication, and application of knowledge in a wide range of academic and professional fields.

   Shortly after the discovery of the tomb, many people associated with the expedition died.

2. something found, found out, noticed, or realized.

   In 2009, archaeologists in Rome unearthed a startling discovery: the remains of an elaborate banquet hall built during the reign of Nero.

3. Law.,  the compulsory exchange or disclosure of information, evidence, documents, etc., in preparation for a lawsuit or trial.

   The plaintiff filed a motion to compel discovery, but the defendants argued that some of the information was exempt.

4. U.S. Aerospace.,  none Discovery the third space shuttle to orbit and return to earth.

discovery

/ dɪˈskʌvərɪ /

noun

1. the act, process, or an instance of discovering

2. a person, place, or thing that has been discovered

3. law the compulsory disclosure by a party to an action of relevant documents in his possession

Other Word Forms

• nondiscovery noun
• prediscovery noun
• rediscovery noun
• self-discovery noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discovery¹

First recorded in 1545–55; discover + -y ³

Example Sentences

Not by giving away free stuff, but by rolling up our sleeves and doing the hard and expensive work of drug discovery and disease eradication.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This discovery could change how scientists understand pain and may guide the development of safer and more effective treatments.

Read more on Science Daily

After consulting with a former Royal Navy contact, Mr Kennard follow the advised protocol of reporting the discovery to HM Coastguard.

Read more on BBC

An important limitation emerged: Claude frequently overstated findings and fabricated results, claiming credentials that didn’t validate or presenting publicly available information as critical discoveries.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"This discovery comes at a time when regulatory T cells have achieved major recognition as master regulators of immunity, highlighting a shared logic of immune regulation across cell types," he said.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• analysis 
• detection 
• diagnosis 
• disclosure 
• encounter 
• exploration 
• introduction 
• revelation 
• sighting 

When To Use

What does discovery mean?

A discovery is something that has been discovered—found or found out about for the first time.Discovery can also mean the process of discovering.Discoveries involve finding or gaining knowledge about something that was previously unknown or unseen. The word is especially associated with finding new places (as in the discovery of new lands) and scientific breakthroughs (as in the discovery of a cure).The word discovery is also used in a much more specific way in the context of law, in which it refers to the required disclosure of things like documents to the other party during a legal proceeding, as in These invoices were produced by client during discovery.Example: Ancient Oceanic peoples discovered new methods of seafaring that allowed their discovery and settlement of faraway islands.