Dictionary.com
definitions

explore

[ik-splawr, -splohr]
||
SEE MORE 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.

RELATED CONTENT

Are You Weird? Personality Idioms ExploredRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
Exploring A Runner’s High And Other MythsRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

  1. exploiter,
  2. exploits,
  3. exploration,
  4. explorationist,
  5. exploratory,
  6. explorer,
  7. explorer tent,
  8. explosible,
  9. explosimeter,
  10. explosion

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
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for explore

British Dictionary definitions for explore

explore

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 Formsexplorer, 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
Word Origin and History for explore

explore

v.

1580s, "to investigate, examine," a back-formation from exploration, or else from Middle French explorer (16c.), from Latin explorare "investigate, search out, examine, explore," said to be originally a hunters' term meaning "set up a loud cry," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + plorare "to cry."

But second element also explained as "to make to flow," from pluere "to flow." Meaning "to go to a country or place in quest of discoveries" is first attested 1610s. Related: Explored; exploring.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Medicine 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.