ikˈsplōrəˌtōrē, ek-, -lȯr-, -tȯr-, -ri adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin exploratorius, from exploratus (past participle of explorare to explore, spy out) + -orius -ory
: of, relating to, or connected with exploration : serving in or intended for exploration : searching
an exploratory reconnaissance of … the least-known inhabited part of the world — R.C.Andrews
drilling an exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico — Wall Street Journal
an exploratory surgical operation
: designed to orient in or acquaint with the outlines or first elements of a subject : preliminary
an exploratory course in art
exploratory talks between diplomats