transitive verb

1. to be the first to find out, see, or know about
2. to find out; learn of the existence of; realize
3. to be the first nonnative person to find, come to, or see (a continent, river, etc.)
4. to bring to prominence; make famous
5. 1. Now Rare to reveal; disclose; expose
   2. Archaic to uncover

Etymology: ME discoveren < OFr descovrir < LL discooperire, to discover, reveal: see dis- & cover