exploration

American  

[ek-spluh-rey-shuhn] / ˌɛk spləˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of exploring or investigating; examination.

2. the investigation of unknown regions.

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exploration British  

/ ˌɛkspləˈreɪʃən, ɪkˈsplɒrətərɪ, -trɪ /

noun

1. the act or process of exploring

2. med examination of an organ or part for diagnostic purposes

3. an organized trip into unfamiliar regions, esp for scientific purposes; expedition

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Other Word Forms

• exploratory adjective
• reexploration noun

Etymology

Origin of exploration

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin explōrātiōn-, stem of explōrātiō “examination,” from explōrāt(us) “searched out, examined” (past participle of explōrāre “to search out, examine”; explore ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Norway's Confederation of Trade Unions has also called for more Arctic exploration.

From Barron's

But the ships are designed to operate in the harshest Arctic conditions, equipped for intelligence gathering, search-and-rescue as well as scientific exploration.

From Barron's

Nonetheless, when it comes to a deliberate exploration of men’s inner lives—how they think, feel and express themselves—the male psyche is becoming less the norm than an aberration.

From The Wall Street Journal

It hasn’t integrated generative artificial intelligence in its production process, which often involves years of creative exploration followed by costly last-minute overhauls.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Stand” is an exploration of 10 virtues—“agency, vulnerability, patriotism, truth, humility, community, creativity, perseverance, grace, and vision.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• analysis
• examination
• expedition
• inspection
• research
• search
• study
• travel