exploratory
adj. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɪksˈpɫɔɹəˌtɔɹi// UK //ɛksplˈɔːɹətəɹˌi// ex·plorato·ry
adj. done to find out more about something or to discover new things. You use this when you are just starting to look into a topic and don't have all the answers yet.
adj. relating to or involving investigation or discovery. Often describes initial actions taken to gather information before a final decision is made.
The doctors are performing some exploratory tests today.
The company launched an exploratory mission to determine if the new market was worth a full investment.
While the initial results were inconclusive, the exploratory phase of the research provided enough data to justify a more rigorous, long-term study into the phenomenon.
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often pairs with nouns like 'surgery', 'talks', or 'research'.