Synonyms: explorative, exploratory
Definition: serving in or intended for exploration or discovery
Usage: an exploratory operation; exploratory reconnaissance; digging an exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico; exploratory talks between diplomats
Similar words: alpha
Definition: early testing stage of a software or hardware product
Usage: alpha version
Similar words: beta
Definition: preliminary or testing stage of a software or hardware product
Usage: a beta version; beta software
Similar words: preliminary
Definition: denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important; designed to orient or acquaint with a situation before proceeding
Usage: a preliminary investigation
Similar words: searching
Definition: exploring thoroughly
Similar words: wildcat
Definition: (of a mine or oil well) drilled speculatively in an area not known to be productive
Usage: drilling there would be strictly a wildcat operation; a wildcat mine; wildcat drilling; wildcat wells