Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

         ``An exploration of doctrine.''          --Bp. Hall.

Source : WordNet®

exploration
     n 1: to travel for the purpose of discovery [syn: {geographic
          expedition}]
     2: a careful systematic search
     3: a systematic consideration; "he called for a careful
        exploration of the consequences"