wildcat well

English

Noun

wildcat well (plural wildcat wells)

1. (oil industry) An exploration well to determine the existence of petroleum in a probable hydrocarbon deposit.
   • 2005, Paul Carter, Don't Tell Mum I Work on the Rigs, Crows Nest: Allen and Unwin, page 164:

     [L]ater BP were planning on drilling a wildcat well, or exploration well, in the same region probably with a semi-submersible rig.