\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.]