Discovery, n.; pl. Discoveries (.
1. The action of discovering; exposure to view; laying open; showing; as, the discovery of a plot.
2. A making known; revelation; disclosure; as, a bankrupt is bound to make a full discovery of his assets. In the clear discoveries of the next [world]. South.
3. Finding out or ascertaining something previously unknown or unrecognized; as, Harvey's discovery of the circulation of the blood. A brilliant career of discovery and conquest. Prescott. We speak of the "invention" of printing, the discovery of America. Trench.
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.
1 more senses
5. Exploration; examination. [Obs.]
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists discovery only as an antonym, under hypothesis.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.