Definition of: discover

(dis·kuv′ər) v.t.
1. To find or gain knowledge of, especially for the first time.
2. Archaic To act or speak so as to expose or betray, especially unwittingly.
3. Archaic To remove the covering of; reveal; disclose.
4. Obs. To distinguish, as black from white. [<OF descovrir <des- away (<L dis-) + covrir COVER]
—dis·cov′er·a·bil′i·ty noun
—dis·cov′er·a·ble adjective
—dis·cov′er·er noun Synonyms: ascertain, descry, detect, discern, disclose, expose, find, invent. Of human actions or character, detect is used almost without exception of what is evil; discover may be used in either the good or the bad sense, oftener in the good; he was detected in a fraud; real merit is sure to be discovered. In scientific language, detect is used of delicate indications that appear in course of careful watching; as, a slight fluttering of the pulse could be detected. We discover what has existed but has not been known to us; we invent combinations or arrangements not before in use. Find is the most general word for every means of coming to know what was not before certainly known. Compare CATCH, KNOW. Antonyms: see synonyms for HIDE.