exploration

[ek-spluh-rey-shuhn]

noun

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

2. the investigation of unknown regions.

exploration

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• reexploration noun
• exploratory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exploration¹

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

Lead author of the research Dr Baptiste Chide told news agency Reuters: "These discharges represent a major discovery, with direct implications for Martian atmospheric chemistry, climate, habitability and the future of robotic and human exploration."

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Labour ministers are also set to loosen rules on new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.

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Additional exploration licences for seafloor minerals and hydrocarbons are in place.

Read more on Science Daily

Their film wrecks audiences with its exploration of romantic intimacy, grief and the inner lives of artists.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Local residents had complained that exploration work had contaminated the water supply, threatened tourism and risked hastening the melting of glaciers, Kyrgyz media reported earlier this year.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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