Uncovered

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ʌnˈkʌvɚd/

Definitions

1. Without a covering or shield, allowing something to be seen or affected ; discovered or disclosed, making information or facts public or visible
2. Exposed or bare, lacking any form of covering or concealment ; uncovered by investigation or inquiry, resulting in new knowledge or awareness
3. Not having any layer or protection over it, allowing direct exposure ; made accessible or brought to light through discovery or disclosure

Etymology: The word "uncovered" is a straightforward formation: the prefix "un-" attached to "covered," the past participle of "cover." The prefix traces back through Old English "un-" to a very old Germanic root meaning "not," which also gave English a huge family of negating words, from "unhappy" to "unwise." Its use as a verb, meaning to remove a covering or bring something to light, grew naturally out of this literal sense of having the lid, cloth or layer taken off. "Cover" itself came into English from Old French "covrir," which descended from Latin "cooperire," meaning "to cover completely." Because "uncovered" is simply the negated form of "covered," its meanings track the physical image of bare, exposed surfaces, then extend to figurative ones: a secret is "uncovered" when it is laid open to view. The word therefore shares its core picture with "discover," which literally means to remove the cover from something.

Synonyms: revealed, exposed, disclosed, unveiled, laid bare

Antonyms: covered, concealed, shrouded, hidden, masked