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

Lakiesha Hawkins, one of Nasa's acting deputy associate administrators said it would be an important momment in the human exploration of space.

From BBC

The Artemis Accords “set out a practical set of principles to guide space exploration,” according to the State Department.

From Los Angeles Times

Brazil's state oil company Petrobas and other firms have bought blocks for exploration and are awaiting licenses.

From BBC

Its exploration of the impact of smartphones and social media on teenagers captured the zeitgeist, tapping into the fears of parents around the world.

From BBC

Adolescence was widely praised by critics and viewers for its exploration of the impact of smartphones and social media on teenagers.

From BBC

Related Words

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