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ex·plore

(ĭk-splôr)

v. ex·plored, ex·plor·ing, ex·plores

v.tr.

1. To investigate systematically; examine: explore every possibility.

2. To search into or travel in for the purpose of discovery: exploring outer space.

3. Medicine To examine (a body cavity or interior part) for diagnostic purposes, especially by surgery.

v.intr.

To make a careful examination or search: scientists who have been known to explore in this region of the earth.

[Latin explōrāre : ex-, ex- + perhaps plōrāre, to cry out, as to rouse game.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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