excavation

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Latin excavare (to hollow out)< ex- (out) + cavare (to hollow)< cavus (hollow)< Proto-Indo-European *keu- (“‘vault, hole’”)

[edit] Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪʃǝn

[edit] Noun

excavation

1. the act of excavating, or of making hollow, by cutting, scooping, or digging out a part of a solid mass
2. a cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping
3. an uncovered cutting in the earth, in distinction from a covered cutting or tunnel
4. the material dug out in making a channel or cavity
5. archaeological research that unearths buildings, tombs and objects of historical value
6. a site where an archaeological exploration is being carried out

[edit] Translations