explore

[ ik-splawr, -splohr ]
/ ɪkˈsplɔr, -ˈsploʊr /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR explore ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), ex·plored, ex·plor·ing.

to traverse or range over (a region, area, etc.) for the purpose of discovery: to explore the island.
to look into closely; scrutinize; examine: Let us explore the possibilities for improvement.
Surgery. to investigate into, especially mechanically, as with a probe.
Obsolete. to search for; search out.

verb (used without object), ex·plored, ex·plor·ing.

to engage in exploration.

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Origin of explore

1575–85; < Latin explōrāre to search out, examine, equivalent to ex- ex-1 + plōrāre to cry out, probably orig. with reference to hunting cries

OTHER WORDS FROM explore

Words nearby explore

exploitation film, exploitative, exploration, explorationist, exploratory, explore, explorer, explorer tent, explosible, explosimeter, explosion
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to explore

try, search, probe, scrutinize, research, examine, test, analyze, seek, prospect, traverse, inspect, travel, hunt, question, tour, sift, scout, burrow, reconnoitre

Example sentences from the Web for explore

British Dictionary definitions for explore

explore
/ (ɪkˈsplɔː) /

verb

(tr) to examine or investigate, esp systematically
to travel to or into (unfamiliar or unknown regions), esp for organized scientific purposes
(tr) med to examine (an organ or part) for diagnostic purposes
(tr) obsolete to search for or out

Derived forms of explore

explorer, noun

Word Origin for explore

C16: from Latin explōrāre, from ex- 1 + plōrāre to cry aloud; probably from the shouts of hunters sighting prey
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

Medical definitions for explore

explore
[ ĭk-splôr′ ]

v.

To examine for diagnostic purposes.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.