exploration

[ ek-spluh-rey-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of exploring or investigating; examination.
2. the investigation of unknown regions.

exploration

/ ɪkˈsplɒrətərɪ; ˌɛkspləˈreɪʃən; -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

Byrne is bullish about wanting to see a comprehensive exploration program for Venus similar to what we’ve already seen for Mars.

From MIT Technology Review

As we’re seeing in China, the days of the search engine website that you visit to start your exploration could be numbered.

From Search Engine Watch

Stay for an exploration of how journalism works and the dilemmas this development opens up.

From Voice of San Diego

In a blog post published today, NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said the new initiative is part of the agency’s larger goal with the Artemis program to bolster private-sector participation in space exploration.

From MIT Technology Review

With over a dozen preloaded apps, clear display, and fast processing, the TI-84 Plus encourages exploration of interactive geometry, inequality graphing, real-world data collection and analysis, and other tools for math and science coursework.

From Popular-Science

And, of course, it recommends keeping screen time limited, so as not to supplant other, real-world play and exploration.

From The Daily Beast

Orion represents the first step towards human exploration of other planets, like Mars.

From The Daily Beast

The human desire for knowledge and exploration is an absolute good, and we need to follow that instinct.

From The Daily Beast

Far from encouraging creative exploration, the first computers practically inhibited it.

From The Daily Beast

It turns out that Cameron has a hobby: deep-sea exploration.

From The Daily Beast

The statue depicts him in his middle thirties when he was at the height of his exploration career.

From Project Gutenberg

Much of this still encumbers the passages and forms the chief obstacle to their exploration.

From Project Gutenberg

The geological formation of the heart of the continent promises to open a rich field for scientific exploration and investigation.

From Project Gutenberg

We want to stimulate the expression of life through art and literature, and its exploration through research.

From Project Gutenberg

I was early afoot next morning; and as soon as I had a bite to eat, set forth upon a tour of exploration.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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