explore

 
Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsplɔː, ɛk-/

verb

[with object]
  • 1travel through (an unfamiliar area) in order to learn about it: he explored the Fontainebleau forest figurative the 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

Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsplɒrətɪv, ɛk-/
adjective

Origin:

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