discovery

noun

dis·​cov·​ery di-ˈskə-v(ə-)rē 

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

Synonyms

• detection
• finding
• spotting
• unearthing

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 on the Web

The timing of the arrest led to criticism that Jarecki, his producers and HBO had delayed sharing incriminating discoveries with law enforcement officials for the sake of the series and ratings. —Addie Morfoot, Variety, 21 Apr. 2024

The discovery of the jawbone provides key evidence for an idea that both Lomax and de la Salle had previously worked on in 2018, after de la Salle uncovered an ichthyosaur jawbone two years prior. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Apr. 2024

The statement came out before the sheriff's discovery was made public. —Ashley Luthern, USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024

On April 2 – in between the date and the discovery of the leg – Robinson's friend reported her missing. —Chris Eberhart, Fox News, 19 Apr. 2024

Tesla wants Elon Musk to get his $56 billion pay package back Surprising discoveries A sea toad that looks like a fish was discovered in the underwater mountain chains off the coast of Chile. —Morgan Haefner, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024

The discoveries were made during an archaeological excavation of Fort Gustav, a historic military outpost perched atop a hill on Saint Barthelemy. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024

The defense continues to wait on the state for unspecified evidence through the legal process known as discovery to offer greater basis for the alibi, Taylor wrote. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2024

The discovery of a skeleton in Pottstown, Pa., opens out to a story of integration and community. … Hardcover nonfiction 1. —The California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing discovery

• pre-discovery
• self-discovery

Kids Definition

discovery

noun

dis·​cov·​ery dis-ˈkəv-(ə-)rē 

plural discoveries

1

: the act or process of discovering

2

: something discovered

Legal Definition

discovery

noun

dis·​cov·​ery

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.