Definition of excavate

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excavation >

ex·ca·vate    (ksk-vt) KEY 

VERB:
ex·ca·vat·ed, ex·ca·vat·ing, ex·ca·vates
VERB:
tr.

1. To make a hole in; hollow out: excavate an ore-rich hillside.
2. To form by hollowing out.
3. To remove by digging or scooping out.
4. To expose or uncover by or as if by digging: excavate an archaeological site.

VERB:
intr.

To engage in digging, hollowing out, or removing.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Latin excavre, excavt-, to hollow out : ex-, ex- + cavre, to hollow (from cavus, hollow; see keu- in Indo-European roots)