explore
[ ik-splawr, -splohr ]
/ ɪkˈsplɔr, -ˈsploʊr /
Save This Word!
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.
SYNONYMS FOR explore
QUIZZES
THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
Origin of explore
1575–85; <Latin explōrāre to search out, examine, equivalent to ex-ex-1 + plōrāre to cry out, probably originally with reference to hunting cries
OTHER WORDS FROM explore
Words nearby explore
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for explore
“Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time
Why Do “Left” And “Right” Mean Liberal And Conservative?
Fore! These Golf Terms Will Land You On The Green
What Do “a.m.” And “p.m.” Stand For?
What Is The Difference Between “It’s” And “Its”?
“Holistic” vs. “Wholistic”: Do You Know The Whole Difference?
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, nounWord 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.