Main Entry: ex·plore

Pronunciation: \ik-ˈsplȯr\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): ex·plored; ex·plor·ing

Etymology: Latin explorare, from ex- + plorare to cry out

Date: 1585

transitive verb 1 a : to investigate, study, or analyze : look into <explore the relationship between social class and learning ability> —sometimes used with indirect questions <to explore where ethical issues arise — R. T. Blackburn> b : to become familiar with by testing or experimenting <explore new cuisines>
2 : to travel over (new territory) for adventure or discovery
3 : to examine especially for diagnostic purposes <explore the wound>intransitive verb : to make or conduct a systematic search <explore for oil>