discover

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
discover/dɪˈskʌvə(r)/

▶verb

• 1 find unexpectedly or during a search.

  ■ become aware of.

• 2 be the first to find or observe (a place, substance, or scientific phenomenon).

• 3 archaic divulge (a secret).

– derivatives
discoverable adjective,
discoverer noun.

– origin ME: from OFr. descovrir, from late L. discooperire, from L. dis- (expressing reversal) + cooperire (see cover).