ikˈsplō(ə)r, ek-, -ȯ(ə)r, -ōə, -ȯ(ə) verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin explorare to explore, spy out, from ex- ex- (I) + plorare to cry out, wail, probably of imitative origin; probably from the outcry of hunters on sighting game
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to seek for or after : strive to attain by search
2. : to search through or into : make a first or preliminary study of : investigate , examine
explore archives never before utilized by scholars
explore the possibilities of reaching an agreement
explore the economic and social conditions of the period
as
a. : to examine minutely (as by surgery) especially for diagnostic purposes
operation seemed indicated and the patient was explored — J.G.Scannell & L.L.Robbins
b. : to penetrate into or range over for purposes of geographical discovery
explore a trackless wilderness
intransitive verb
: to make or conduct a systematic search
explore for oil