exploration

[ek-spluh-rey-shuh n]

See more synonyms for exploration on Thesaurus.com

noun

an act or instance of exploring or investigating; examination.
the investigation of unknown regions.

Origin of exploration

1535–45; < Latin explōrātiōn- (stem of explōrātiō) an examination, equivalent to explōrāt(us) searched out, examined (past participle of explōrāre to explore) + -iōn- -ion

Related formsre·ex·plo·ra·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for exploration

search, expedition, study, analysis, research, examination, inspection, travel, probe, scrutiny, tour, inquiry, reconnaissance, trip

Examples from the Web for exploration

Contemporary Examples of exploration

And, of course, it recommends keeping screen time limited, so as not to supplant other, real-world play and exploration.
Yes, Your Toddler Can Watch TV: The New Rules for Screen Time
Russell Saunders
December 26, 2014
The human desire for knowledge and exploration is an absolute good, and we need to follow that instinct.
Christopher Nolan Uncut: On ‘Interstellar,’ Ben Affleck’s Batman, and the Future of Mankind
Marlow Stern
November 10, 2014
There are risks that you take because they are important—because exploration is important.
James Cameron Dives into the Ocean's Abyss
Andrew Romano
July 21, 2014
I think science and exploration and understanding the natural world are more important than that.
James Cameron Dives into the Ocean's Abyss
Andrew Romano
July 21, 2014
For a while I do exploration, then I come back and do movies.
James Cameron Dives into the Ocean's Abyss
Andrew Romano
July 21, 2014

Historical Examples of exploration

But he had also done a great thing for exploration in changing the modus operandi.
Explorations in Australia
John Forrest
In close connexion with the Survey and Lands Department is the topic of exploration.
Explorations in Australia
John Forrest
Now I'm going on a tour of exploration and noisy admiration.
Grace Harlowe's Return to Overton Campus
Jessie Graham Flower
This drive is an excellent preparation for an exploration of the Lozre.
The Roof of France
Matilda Betham-Edwards
Authority in matters religious is being superseded by exploration.
Mountain Meditations
L. Lind-af-Hageby

British Dictionary definitions for exploration

exploration

noun

the act or process of exploring
med examination of an organ or part for diagnostic purposes
an organized trip into unfamiliar regions, esp for scientific purposes; expedition

Derived Formsexploratory (ɪkˈsplɒrətərɪ, -trɪ) or explorative, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for exploration

1540s, from Middle French exploration and directly from Latin explorationem (nominative exploratio), noun of action from past participle stem of explorare (see explore).

exploration in Medicine

exploration

[ĕk′splə-rā′shən]

An active examination, usually involving endoscopy or a surgical procedure, to determine conditions present as an aid in diagnosis.

Related formsex•plor′a•to′ry (ĭk-splôr′ə-tôr′ē) adj.