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

Derived Forms

• exploratory, adjective

Other Words From

• reex·plo·ration noun

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

The 2024 update is currently the best-reviewed title this year, bringing more of the exploration and brutally hard combat encounters fans have come to expect from developer From Software.

From BBC

The findings may significantly impact the way scientists approach planetary exploration, particularly for upcoming missions aimed at studying the habitability of Mars.

From Science Daily

Surely Leonardo’s erotic and emotional subjectivity within a repressive milieu was not nothing in shaping his worldly explorations — especially as a “disciple of experience” — but Burns doesn’t go there.

From Los Angeles Times

From de Waal's 1982 book "Chimpanzee Politics" to 2019's "Mama's Last Hug: Animal Emotions and What they Tell Us about Ourselves," attitudes about whether animals might have thoughts worthy of scientific exploration changed dramatically.

From Science Daily

As such it would not grant any new exploration licences in UK waters but it would allow existing projects — including Rosebank and Jackdaw — to continue.

From BBC

Related Words

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