excavation

IPA: ɛkskʌvˈeɪʃʌn

(uncountable) The act of excavating, or of making hollow, by cutting, scooping, or digging out a part of a solid mass.
(countable) A cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping.
(countable) An uncovered cutting in the earth, in distinction from a covered cutting or tunnel.
(countable) The material dug out in making a channel or cavity.
(uncountable) Archaeological research that unearths buildings, tombs and objects of historical value.
(countable) A site where an archaeological exploration is being carried out.
(countable) Something uncovered by archaeological excavation.

Examples of "excavation" in Sentences

The archaeologists made a major discovery during the excavation of the ancient burial site
The construction crew began excavation of the new building foundation last week
The excavation of the fossilized dinosaur bones was a painstaking process
The excavation of the old shipwreck revealed a treasure trove of artifacts
The excavation of the underground tunnel took months to complete