ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈvāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin excavation-, excavatio, from excavatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : the action or process of excavating
b. : the removal of superposed material (as earth, stone, or buildings) from the remains or structures of an age or civilization earlier than the present
2. : a cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping
3.
a. : an uncovered cutting in the earth — distinguished from tunnel
b. : the material dug out in making a channel or cavity