/ɪk'splɔ:(r); ɪk`splɔr/
v
1 [I, Tn] travel into or through (a place, esp a country) in order to learn about it 踏勘; 勘探; 探测; 在（一地方, 尤指一国家）探险, 考察
*explore the Arctic regions 到北极地区探险
* Columbus discovered America but did not explore the new continent. 哥伦布发现了美洲, 但没有考察这块新大陆.
* explore a castle 探察一城堡
* As soon as they arrived in the town they went out to explore. 他们一到这座城镇就出外查看周围环境.
2 [Tn] examine (sth) thoroughly in order to test or find out about it （为测试或了解）仔细检查（某事物）; 探索; 探究
*explore one's conscience 良心省察
* We explored several solutions to the problem. 我们探讨了几种解决该问题的方法.

v
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin;Origin: explorare, from plorare 'to cry out'; probably from the shouting of hunters when they see the animal they are trying to catch]
[T]
to discuss or think about something carefully
= look at
　Management need to explore ways of improving office security.
　I'm going to explore the possibility of a part-time job.
[I and T]
to travel around an area in order to find out about it
　Venice is a wonderful city to explore.
explore (sth) for oil/minerals/gold etc
to look for something such as oil, minerals etc
[T]written
to feel something with your hand or another part of your body to find out what it is like
　Gingerly she explored the bump on her head with her fingers.