English Reference

Word

explorer

Phoneticsex·plor·er, stress on the second syllable

US/ɪksˈpɫɔɹɝ/

UK/ɛksplˈɔːɹɐ/

Definitions

01traveler/discoverer

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. someone who travels to places that are not well known to find out more about them.

n. an individual who travels to unmapped or unfamiliar regions for the purpose of discovery and information gathering.

“The famous explorer spent years traveling across the thick jungles of South America.”

“Early polar explorers faced extreme temperatures and isolation in their quest to reach the geographic North Pole.”

02file manager

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing

n. a computer program or window that lets you see and organize the files on your computer.

n. a graphical user interface designed to allow the user to navigate and manage a hierarchical file system.

“Open the file explorer to find the document you saved this morning.”

“The operating system's default explorer allows users to drag and drop files between different network drives seamlessly.”

Usage

Often capitalized when referring to specific software like Windows Explorer.

Synonyms

file managerbrowser

03dental tool

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Medicine Technical

n. a sharp metal tool that a dentist uses to check your teeth.

n. a sharp, pointed hand instrument used in dentistry to examine tooth surfaces for decay or irregularities.

“The dentist used a small explorer to check for cavities during the exam.”

“The hygienist carefully ran the explorer along the gum line to detect any buildup of tartar or signs of enamel erosion.”

Teaching tip

This is a highly specialized term; most patients will simply call it a 'tool' or 'hook'.

Synonyms

probesickle probe

Word family

NOUN

explorer(B1)

Related words

Domain

Computing

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference