exploration
Americannoun
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an act or instance of exploring or investigating; examination.
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the investigation of unknown regions.
noun
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the act or process of exploring
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med examination of an organ or part for diagnostic purposes
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an organized trip into unfamiliar regions, esp for scientific purposes; expedition
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He then served as head of the national space agency in 2013, overseeing a lunar exploration mission that culminated in China’s first moon landing with an unmanned vehicle.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
For scientists and space exploration advocates, the hope is that support will come together in time to make a return to this intriguing world possible, whether Starship plays a role or not.
From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026
This bonus episode of Amicus, with full access exclusive for Slate Plus members, is a comprehensive exploration of Wednesday’s arguments in the Trump v.
From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026
Oil exploration company APA gained 79% in the first quarter.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
It seemed to speak of exploration, of escape.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
