explore vs cave

explore is not a noun while cave is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
explore	No	No	Yes	No
cave	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, cave is a hyponym of explore; that is, cave is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than explore:

Other hyponyms of explore include pioneer, spelunk, map.

explore (noun)	cave (noun)
	a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea

explore (verb)	cave (verb)
inquire into	explore natural caves
travel to or penetrate into	hollow out as if making a cave or opening
inquire into a subject in detail
examine (organs) for diagnostic purposes