də̇ˈskəv(ə)rē, -ri noun
( -es )
Etymology: discover + -y (as in recovery )
1.
a. : the act, process, or an instance of gaining knowledge of or ascertaining the existence of something previously unknown or unrecognized
the discovery of a new chemical element
his discovery of a strange tribe of pygmies
b.
(1) archaic : the act of making known : revelation , disclosure
(2) obsolete : display or manifestation especially of a quality or attribute
c. drama : recognition
d. : the act or an instance of finding or finding out (as something that was lost or hidden)
police announced discovery of the missing money
for fear of discovery he changed his lodgings every night
e. obsolete : exploration , reconnaissance , investigation
to make a more perfect discovery of the island — Daniel Defoe
f. : the act of exposing the opponent's king to check by moving an intervening piece
2. : something that is discovered (as by being brought to light, disclosed, or ascertained)
brought home valuable discoveries including a large plant of exotic coloring and foliage
3. : the disclosure in practice or in pretrial procedures by a party to an action or proceeding of facts or documents which will afford material evidence in determining the rights of the party asking it
4. : the original finding of part of a vein or lode that is a prime requisite in the valid location of a mining claim