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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