excavation
eks-kuh-VAY-shun
/ˌekskəˈveɪʃən/
The action of excavating something, especially an archaeological site or a construction area.
Implies a systematic and purposeful removal of earth, rather than just 'digging'.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'excavare', meaning 'to hollow out'. It combines 'ex' (out) and 'cavus' (hollow), which is also the root of 'cave'.
Word relationships
- digging: Digging is the informal, general action; excavation is the professional or scientific process.
- unearthing: Unearthing focuses on finding something hidden; excavation focuses on the process of removal.
- filling: The act of putting material back into a hole.
Commonly confused with
- exhumation: Exhumation is specifically the digging up of a body.
Word family
- excavate (verb): To make a hole or channel by digging.
- excavator (noun): A person or machine that excavates.
Collocations
- archaeological excavation
- mass excavation
- excavation site
Example sentences
- "The excavation of the Roman villa took three summers to complete, revealing beautiful mosaics." Archaeology
- "Before the foundation can be laid, the excavation of the basement must be finished." Construction
Memory hook
Think of making an 'ex' (exit) for the dirt to create a 'cave' (hollow). Hollow it out.
When not to use
Don't use it for a dog digging a hole for a bone; it's too formal.
Fun facts
- The Panama Canal excavation moved enough earth to bury the island of Manhattan to a depth of 12 feet.
Related words
Explore more words
excavate, dismantle, advance, expedition, deployment, remediate
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