discovery

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noun dis·cov·ery \ dis-ˈkə-v(ə-)rē \

Definition of discovery

plural discoveries

1 a :the act or process of discovering

the discovery of a lost city

b (1) archaic :disclosure

(2) obsolete :display

c obsolete :exploration

2 :something discovered

3 :the usually pretrial disclosure of pertinent facts or documents by one or both parties to a legal action or proceeding

See discovery defined for English-language learners

See discovery defined for kids

Examples of discovery in a Sentence

Scientists announced the discovery of a new species of plant.
Her research led to a number of important discoveries about the disease.
Reporters made the shocking discovery that the governor had been unfaithful to his wife.
the discovery of pollution in the river
the discovery of a talented musician
sailors during the age of discovery
It was one of the most important discoveries in the history of medicine.

Recent Examples of discovery from the Web

All the best dinosaur stories begin with the accidental discovery.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "This Is What Happens When Citizens Get Watchful," 11 Aug. 2017
For Detwiler, the most stunning discovery was about his subjects’ deep roots in San Diego and their lasting relationships.

— roxana popescu, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Documentary explores hidden history of San Diego's gay bars," 11 Aug. 2017
Authorities in Lake in the Hills are investigating the discovery of a body in a pond at Larsen Park.

— chicago tribune staff, McHenry County, "Body found in pond in Lake in the Hills, police say," 9 Aug. 2017
Shelton owns the small private school where students do hands-on discovery activities.

— darla carter, The Courier-Journal, "Beware: Unsafe eclipse glasses are flooding market as companies try to make a buck," 8 Aug. 2017
Scientific discoveries by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in the early 2000 — partly funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and donations from patient-advocacy groups — helped pave the way for Spinraza.

— julie appleby, Kaiser Health News, "Drug Puts A $750,000 ‘Price Tag On Life’," 2 Aug. 2017
That discovery process began a day later than anticipated, after MU had one last hurrah for Anderson with a dramatic victory in the SEC tournament opener against Auburn.

— vahe gregorian, kansascity, "Kim Anderson’s dream job at Mizzou became a nightmare; here’s how he found peace at Pitt State," 28 July 2017
In all, Mr. Sinderbrand said, these clients have tens of billions of dollars invested through Wells Fargo, all laid out in vivid detail for him as part of the discovery process in his lawsuit.

— bess levin, The Hive, "The Mooch’s “Mega Opportunity Cost” Could Make Him $80 Million Richer," 24 July 2017
Researchers realised, soon after the discovery of gene drives half a century ago, that they might be forged into tools for eradicating diseases and pests.

— The Economist, "Gene drivesA promising means of pest control meets some evolutionary truths," 22 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'discovery.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of discovery

1529

discovery Synonyms

Synonyms

detection, finding, spotting, unearthing

Related Words

awareness, espial, notice; disclosure, exposure, revelation, uncovering, unveiling; creation, invention; exploration; rediscovery

Near Antonyms

disappearance, loss; concealment, hiding

DISCOVERY Defined for English Language Learners

discovery

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noun

Definition of discovery for English Language Learners

: the act of finding or learning something for the first time : the act of discovering something
: something seen or learned for the first time : something discovered

DISCOVERY Defined for Kids

discovery

play

noun dis·cov·ery \ di-ˈskəv-ə-rē , -ˈskəv-rē \

Definition of discovery for Students

plural discoveries

1 :an act of finding out or learning of for the first time

Experiments led to their discovery of the cure.

2 :something found or learned of for the first time

a recent discovery

Law Dictionary

discovery

noun dis·cov·ery

legal Definition of discovery

plural discoveries

1 :the act or process of discovering

2 :something discovered

applied for a patent for the discovery

3 a :the methods used by parties to a civil or criminal action to obtain information held by the other party that is relevant to the action — see also deposition, interrogatory, request for production

b :the disclosure of information held by the opposing party in an action

a party need not provide discovery of electronically stored information…not reasonably accessible
—Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 26(b)(2)(B)

— see also privilege, work product doctrine

Note: Discovery allowed under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 is far-reaching. With some exceptions, a party may obtain discovery of any relevant information as long as it is not privileged, including information that itself would not be admissible at trial but that is likely to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. Criminal discovery, however, has been more controversial. Under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 16, a defendant may obtain discovery of his or her own written or recorded statements or confessions, results of examinations and tests, his or her recorded testimony before a grand jury, and testimony to be given by the prosecution's expert witnesses. A defendant may also inspect the prosecution's books, documents, photographs, objects, and other items of evidence. Under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12.1, the prosecution must also disclose the names of witnesses that will be called to rebut the defendant's alibi defense. The defendant must also permit the prosecution to inspect books, documents, photographs, and objects and must disclose reports of examinations or tests and testimony of expert witnesses.