exploration
(ɛkspləˈreɪʃən)
[ad. L. explōrātiōn-em, n. of action f. explōrāre to explore.]
† 1. The action of examining; investigation, scrutiny. Obs.
| 1543–4 Act 35 Hen. VIII, c. 10 Sir William Bowyer..by diligente searche and exploration founde out dyuers greatte and plentyfull sprynges, at Hampsted heath. 1602 W. Fulbecke 1st Pt. Parall. Introd. 5 Men..who might by exploration seuer the dross from the gold. 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. v. xxi. §20. 271 [The use of the divining rod] is a fruitlesse exploration, strongly senting of Pagan derivation. a 1655 Vines Lord's Supp. (1677) 413 The exploration..of their competency. 1690 Boyle Med. Hydrostat. Wks. 1772 V. 463 Our hydrostatical way of exploration. |
b. Med. and Surg. The examination of an organ, a wound, etc. by the use of the finger, probe, or other physical appliance.
| 1860 in Mayne Exp. Lex. 1880 W. Bodenhamer (title) The Physical Exploration of the Rectum. 1884 in Syd. Soc. Lex. |
2. The action of exploring (a country, district, place, etc.); an instance of this. Also transf.
| 1823 Lamb Elia, Praise Chimney-sweepers 257 A lost chimney sweeper..tired with his tedious explorations..laid his black head upon the pillow. 1872 Jenkinson Guide Eng. Lakes (1879) 299 This side of the Scawfell Pikes is deserving exploration. 1880 Haughton Phys. Geog. v. 222 The exploration of the sources of the Blue Nile. |
| attrib. 1891 Pall Mall G. 11 Nov. 5/2 Mr. H. M. Stanley..would resume exploration work in Africa. |
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Add: 3. attrib. exploration rig.
| 1974 BP Shield Internat. Oct. 1/2 A considerable amount of detailed information from..certain *exploration rigs scattered across the North Sea. 1983 Financial Rev. (Austral.) 26 Aug. 5/1 Esso Exploration and Production Australia Inc has terminated its long-term contract..for the use of the semi-submersible exploration rig Southern Cross. |
exploration well.
| 1946 Petroleum IX. 289/3 It is..usual to carry out the analysis of grouting continuously during the drilling of an *exploration well, determining its resistivity, fluorescence, and gas content. 1979 Jrnl. R. Soc. Arts CXXVII. 403/1 If the exploration well is successful then step out wells have to be drilled to determine the extent of the field. |
exploration work (formerly at sense 2).
| 1891 Pall Mall Gaz. 11 Nov. 5/2 Mr. H. M. Stanley..would resume *exploration work in Africa. 1961 Handbk. Federal Aids to Communities (U.S. Dept. Commerce) June 13/1 The Government will contract with an eligible applicant to pay up to one-half of the cost of approved exploration work as it progresses. |