discovery

[ dih-skuhv-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural dis·cov·er·ies.

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. none Discovery. U.S. Aerospace. 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 Words From

• non·dis·cov·er·y noun plural nondiscoveries
• pre·dis·cov·er·y noun plural prediscoveries
• re·dis·cov·er·y noun plural rediscoveries
• self-dis·cov·er·y noun plural selfdiscoveries

Word History and Origins

Origin of discovery¹

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

Example Sentences

Two scientists studying metabolism accidentally discovered that removing a dog’s pancreas caused diabetes—paving the way for the discovery of insulin.

From Slate

Highlights from the foundation's donation include the David vases from 1351, which revolutionised the dating for blue and white ceramics with their discovery.

From BBC

The discovery was announced at the same time as the UN climate talks COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan that are trying to make progress in tackling climate change.

From BBC

Items in the collection include vases from 1351 which revolutionised the dating for blue and white ceramics with their discovery, as well as a cup decorated with a chicken that was used to serve wine for the Chenghua emperor in the 1400s.

From BBC

A self-described “former film studio executive turned screenwriter turned reality TV producer,” Golden has overseen series at Netflix, Discovery and TruTV.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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