prediscovery

adjective

pre·​dis·​cov·​ery ˌprē-di-ˈskə-v(ə-)rē How to pronounce prediscovery (audio)
variants or pre-discovery
: existing or occurring before discovery: such as
a
: existing or occurring before the discovery of an astronomical object
found a prediscovery photograph of the comet
searched for reports of pre-discovery sightings
b
law : occurring or existing prior to discovery (see discovery sense 3) in a lawsuit
First, pre-discovery summary judgment motions are usually premature and hence disfavored.Bourbeau v. Jonathan Woodner Co., 600 F. Supp. 2d 1 (2009)

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prediscovery was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near prediscovery

Cite this Entry

“Prediscovery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prediscovery. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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