spelunker (also pot-holer)
noun

- someone who walks and climbs in caves as a sport

Cambridge Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN

The term "spelunker" comes from the Latin word spelunca, which itself is derived from the Greek word spēlynx, both meaning "cave”. It entered the English language to refer specifically to someone who explores caves as a hobby or for scientific study. The word is often used interchangeably with "caver" although within the cave exploration community, "caver" is generally considered to be the more professional term. "Spelunker" is more commonly associated with amateur cave exploration, and it may sometimes even carry the connotation of being less skilled or trained than a caver.

"Spelunker" gained more widespread use in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where spelunking or caving became a popular outdoor activity. Books, clubs, and organizations dedicated to the hobby helped popularize the term further. Nowadays, the spelunker is widely recognized, appearing in everything from scientific literature to adventure stories and video games, as the iconic figure braving dark, subterranean worlds.

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A MONTREAL MUST-DO
Spelunking in Saint-Léonard’s Cavern

Small groups of six, led by an expert from the Quebec Caving Society, enter the cavern from a park in North Montreal. Rain or shine, hot or cold—the cave is open all year round, sitting at a constant 5°C with near 100% humidity. Suggested attire is long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy, close-toed shoes and gloves. Headlamps and helmets are provided.

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SYNONYMS
for cave

aperture, bolt-hole, cavern, channel, crack, cranny, crevasse, crevice, crypt, cleft, cuniculus, dark corner, dark recess, dell, den, depression, dimple, dugout, excavation, furrow, hideaway, hideout, hidey-hole, hole, hollow, indentation, inlet, lair, mine, nest, niche, nook, opening, orifice, passage, pit, pocket, rabbit hole, rathole, recess, refuge, retreat, root cellar, sanctuary, sanctum, shaft, shelter, sinkhole, subterranean chamber, the deep (depths), the underworld, trough, tunnel, underground chamber, vault, warren, well

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SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation, say something like:

"If I ever get to visit Montreal, I'm going to become a SPELUNKER for a day."

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