ENGLISH
REFERENCE

exploration

n.
US //ˌɛkspɫɝˈeɪʃən// UK //ɛksplɔːɹˈeɪʃən// ex·plo·ration
  1. 1 geographical discovery (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    travelling through an unfamiliar area to learn about it or find something new.

    the act of searching or travelling through a region for the purpose of discovery, particularly in a geographical or scientific context.

    Example

    Space exploration has taught us a lot about the planets in our solar system.

    Example

    Early polar exploration was fraught with danger, as crews often lacked the technology to survive the extreme conditions of the Arctic winter.

  2. 2 investigating a subject (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    the careful study of an idea, a subject, or a problem.

    the systematic examination or investigation of a topic, concept, or artistic theme.

    Example

    The book is an exploration of how technology changes our daily lives.

    Example

    The documentary provides a profound exploration of the socio-economic factors that contributed to the city's industrial decline.

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  1. 3 medical examination (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    a physical examination of a patient's body to find the cause of a problem.

    the physical or surgical examination of a patient's body or an organ to diagnose a condition.

    Example

    The doctor performed a careful exploration of the wound to check for infection.

    Example

    The surgeon recommended a laparoscopic exploration to determine the extent of the internal damage before proceeding with the full operation.

  2. 4 searching for minerals (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the work of searching for valuable materials like oil, gold, or metal in the ground.

    the process of searching for and determining the commercial viability of mineral or fossil fuel deposits.

    Example

    The company spent millions on oil exploration in the North Sea.

    Example

    Mineral exploration in the region has intensified as global demand for lithium and other rare earth elements continues to rise.

Origin

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

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