Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Exploration \Ex`plo*ra"tion\, n. [L. exploratio: cf. F.
exploration.]
The act of exploring, penetrating, or ranging over for
purposes of discovery, especially of geographical discovery;
examination; as, the exploration of unknown countries; (Med.)
physical examination.
[1913 Webster]
"An exploration of doctrine." --Bp. Hall.
[1913 Webster]
exploration
n 1: to travel for the purpose of discovery [syn: exploration,
geographic expedition]
2: a careful systematic search
3: a systematic consideration; "he called for a careful
exploration of the consequences"