excavation

noun

1. 1

   The act of excavating, or of making hollow, by cutting, scooping, or digging out a part of a solid mass.

2. 2

   A cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping.

3. 3

   An uncovered cutting in the earth, in distinction from a covered cutting or tunnel.

4. 4

   The material dug out in making a channel or cavity.

5. 5

   Archaeological research that unearths buildings, tombs and objects of historical value.

6. 6

   A site where an archaeological exploration is being carried out.