# explorer

/ɪksˈpɫɔɹɝ/ (US) · /ɛksplˈɔːɹɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/explorer
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. traveler/discoverer

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. file manager

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. dental tool

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- Open the file explorer to find your saved document.
- You can drag the downloaded image from the browser directly into a folder in your file explorer.
- Advanced users often customize the explorer's sidebar to include shortcuts to network drives and frequently accessed project directories for improved workflow efficiency.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.