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

Haddock said the discovery highlights the importance of deep-sea exploration and the significance of using new technology to catalog previously unknown creatures.

From Los Angeles Times

And without a pressing geopolitical threat, Congress may be unwilling to spend more on space exploration, as it did during the 1960s with the Apollo program, Forczyk said.

From Los Angeles Times

Other companies have also rushed to Saskatchewan to capitalise on the boom, starting their own exploration projects in the region, while existing players re-opened dormant mines.

From BBC

The country has been trying to broker military deals as well as gas and mineral exploration agreements with Russia and Belarus.

From BBC

The Scottish government has previously said it had a "presumption against" new oil and gas exploration.

From BBC

Related Words

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