spelunk
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /spəˈlʌŋk/
KK: /spəˈlʌŋk/
noun
Definition
A cave, cavern, or grotto where people can explore.
Example
The spelunk was filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
Conversation
Have you ever explored a spelunk before?
No, I haven't, but it sounds exciting!
I went to one last summer, and it was amazing inside the spelunk.
That sounds awesome! I would love to try it sometime.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cave
grotto
cavern
Antonyms
mountain
plain
hill
verb
Definition
To explore caves, especially as a hobby or for adventure.
Example
They decided to spelunk in the nearby cave system during their vacation.
Tense Forms
Past: spelunked
Past Participle: spelunked
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how cool it would be to spelunk in a cave?
That sounds amazing! I love adventures.
Yeah, I read about some local caves we could explore.
Root Explanation
Spelunk comes from the word 'spelunking' which is derived from the Latin 'spelunca' (meaning cave) and the suffix '-ing' (indicating the action of). The term refers to the activity of exploring caves.
Memory Tip
Think of 'spelunca' meaning cave, and remember that 'spelunk' refers to the action of exploring caves.
Visually Confused Words
spunk
slunk
plunk