discoverable
Meaning
able to be discovered or found out.
Structure
Usage
the data is easily discoverable through a simple online search.
not all archaeological sites are readily discoverable without advanced technology.
the terms and conditions should be made easily discoverable on the website.
Etymology
the word 'discoverable' is built upon the verb 'discover', which entered english from old french 'descovrir'. this old french term was formed from the latin prefix 'dis-', indicating reversal, and the verb 'cooperire', meaning 'to cover up'. thus, the literal sense of 'discover' is 'to remove a cover from', or 'to reveal'. the suffix '-able', of latin origin via old french, is then added to form an adjective meaning 'capable of being revealed or found'. the semantic journey moves from the concrete act of uncovering something hidden to the more abstract concept of information or facts becoming accessible or known.
Analysis
dis- (latin prefix, meaning 'apart', 'away', or 'reversal'); cover (from old french 'covrir', ultimately latin 'cooperire', meaning 'to cover completely'); -able (latin suffix via old french, meaning 'capable of', 'fit for').