noun

• (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.