from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Discovery \Dis*cov"er*y\, n.; pl. {Discoveries}.
1. The action of discovering; exposure to view; laying open;
showing; as, the discovery of a plot.
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2. A making known; revelation; disclosure; as, a bankrupt is
bound to make a full discovery of his assets.
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In the clear discoveries of the next [world].
--South.
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3. Finding out or ascertaining something previously unknown
or unrecognized; as, Harvey's discovery of the circulation
of the blood.
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A brilliant career of discovery and conquest.
--Prescott.
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We speak of the "invention" of printing, the
discovery of America. --Trench.
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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.
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5. Exploration; examination. [Obs.]
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