Dictionary entry

Excavation

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ex′ca‐va″tion (?), n. [L. excavatio: cf. F. 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. “A winding excavation.” Glover.

3. (Engin.) (a) An uncovered cutting in the earth, in distinction from a covered cutting or tunnel. (b) The material dug out in making a channel or cavity.

The delivery of the excavations at a distance of 250 feet. E. L. Corthell.