Discovery/dɪˈskʌvəri/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Historical Impact Used to describe breakthroughs that changed history or science significantly. The discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine. Pro Tip 2/3Personal Achievements Often refers to individual or team achievements in research or exploration. After years of research, she made a groundbreaking discovery. Pro Tip 3/3Active Exploration Implies active searching or experimentation to find something new. The scientist's discovery was a result of careful experimentation.