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