ENGLISH
REFERENCE

exploration

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌɛkspɫɝˈeɪʃən// UK //ɛksplɔːɹˈeɪʃən// ex·plo·ration General-service

n. the act of traveling through a place to learn about it or looking into a subject to understand it better. You use this when you are searching for something new or checking something carefully.

n. the action of traveling through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it, or the thorough examination of a subject or physical condition.


SIMPLE

The doctor began a physical exploration of the patient's symptoms.

CONTEXTUAL

Space exploration has led to many technological breakthroughs that we use in our daily lives.

COMPLEX

The surgeon performed a laparoscopic exploration of the abdominal cavity to identify the source of the internal bleeding without resorting to a more invasive procedure.

Origin

From Middle French exploration, from Latin exploratio. Morphologically explore + -ation.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general activity; countable when referring to a specific instance or journey.

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