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explore

Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsplɔː, ɛk-/

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Definition of explore

verb

[with object]

1travel through (an unfamiliar area) in order to learn about it:he explored the Fontainebleau forest figurativethe project encourages children to explore the world of photography
[no object] (explore for) search for resources such as mineral deposits: the company has been granted licences to explore for petroleum

2inquire into or discuss (a subject) in detail:he sets out to explore fundamental questions
examine or evaluate (an option or possibility):the firm will explore joint development projects

3examine by touch:her fingers explored his hair

4 Medicine surgically examine (a wound or part of the body) in detail: he decided to explore the lesion to establish the diagnosis

Derivatives

explorative

Origin:

mid 16th century (in the sense 'investigate (why)'): from French explorer, from Latin explorare 'search out', from ex- 'out' + plorare 'utter a cry'

explore in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of explore in the US English dictionary

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