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Spelunking: meaning, definitions and examples

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spelunking

 

[ spəˈlʌŋ.kɪŋ ]

Noun
Hobbies
Context #1 | Noun

cave exploration

Spelunking refers to the recreational activity of exploring caves. It is often engaged in by adventurers and nature enthusiasts who wish to discover subterranean environments. Spelunking can involve climbing, crawling, and even swimming through underground water features. This activity requires certain skills and safety measures due to the potential hazards found in cave systems, such as unstable terrain and low visibility. Overall, spelunking offers a unique opportunity to witness geological formations and ecosystems that are rarely seen by the average person.

Synonyms

cave diving, cave exploration, caving

Examples of usage

  • I planned a weekend of spelunking in the Appalachian mountains.
  • He took a course on spelunking techniques before attempting his first cave dive.
  • Their spelunking adventure led them to discover rare rock formations.
  • We were equipped with helmets and flashlights for our spelunking expedition.

Translations

Translations of the word "spelunking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espeleologia

🇮🇳 गुफ़ा अन्वेषण

🇩🇪 Höhlenforschung

🇮🇩 penjelajahan gua

🇺🇦 спелеологія

🇵🇱 speleologia

🇯🇵 洞窟探検

🇫🇷 spéléologie

🇪🇸 espeleología

🇹🇷 mağara bilimi

🇰🇷 동굴 탐험

🇸🇦 استكشاف الكهوف

🇨🇿 jeskynářství

🇸🇰 jeskyniarstvo

🇨🇳 洞穴探险

🇸🇮 speleologija

🇮🇸 hellarannsóknir

🇰🇿 үңгір зерттеуі

🇬🇪 თხელი კვლევა

🇦🇿 dəliləşmə

🇲🇽 espeleología

Word origin

The word 'spelunking' comes from the Latin word 'spelunca', meaning 'cave' or 'cavern.' The term gained popularity in the United States in the 1950s, although the activity of exploring caves dates back thousands of years. Throughout history, caves have captivated humanity for various reasons, including shelter, exploration, and art. As modern recreational spelunking became more defined, it started to emphasize safety and conservation of cave environments—recognizing the delicate ecosystems that exist within. In the late 20th century, organizations began to form primarily dedicated to the sport, focusing on the responsible exploration of caves while preserving their natural beauty. Today, spelunking remains a popular outdoor activity, drawing enthusiasts who seek both adventure and an appreciation for the natural world.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,135, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.