Dis-cŏv′er-y, n.

(kŭv′er-y), n. 1. The action of discovering; exposure to view; disclosure; laying open; showing; as, the discovery of a plot.

2Sense 2. A making known; revelation; as, a bankrupt is bound to make a full discovery of his estate and effects. “In the clear discoveries of the next [world].” South.

3Sense 3. Finding out, or bringing for the first time to the sight or the knowledge; — said of what was before unknown or unrecognized. “Harvey’s discovery of the circulation of the blood.” W. Hamilton. “Territory extended by a brilliant career of discovery and conquest.” Prescott.

We speak of the “invention” of printing, the discovery of America. Trench.

4Sense 4. That which is discovered; a thing found out, or for the first time ascertained or recognized; as, the properties of the magnet were an important discovery.