Excavate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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excavate
[ˈɛkskəˌveɪt ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Verb
archaeology
To remove earth carefully and systematically in order to uncover buried remains such as buildings or artifacts.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- They excavated the site and discovered ancient pottery.
- The archaeologists are excavating a Roman villa.
Context #2 | Verb
construction
To make a hole or channel by digging.
Synonyms
dig, dig out, hollow out.
Examples of usage
- The workers excavated a trench for the new pipeline.
- They are excavating the foundation for the building.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Archaeology
- Excavation sites can uncover ancient civilizations, offering insights into human history and culture.
- Famous sites like Pompeii were excavated to reveal everyday life during the Roman Empire.
- In archaeology, stratigraphy is crucial; layers of dirt dug through provide chronological context to findings.
Geology
- Excavation helps geologists study layers of soil and rock, revealing the earth's history and geological formations.
- Mineral extraction often involves excavating large areas to gather valuable resources like coal or gold.
- Technological advancements now allow for more precise excavation, reducing environmental impact.
Construction
- Before building structures, excavating the ground is crucial to create stable foundations.
- Excavators are machines specifically designed to dig into the earth efficiently and safely.
- Construction excavation also includes removing debris to prepare a site for development.
Cultural Significance
- Certain excavation sites become tourist attractions, where people can learn about history and archaeology.
- Excavating ancient artifacts allows nations to showcase their heritage in museums worldwide.
- Cultural rituals, such as burial practices, are often uncovered during excavations, providing insight into past societies.
Origin of 'excavate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'excavare,' meaning 'to hollow out.'
- It combines 'ex' (out of) and 'cavare' (to make hollow), clearly describing the action of digging.
- Early use of the term dates back to the 15th century, relating to removing earth to reveal buried structures.
The word 'excavate' comes from the Latin word 'excavatus', which is the past participle of 'excavare', meaning 'to hollow out'. The term has been used since the 16th century in English, originally in the sense of digging a hole or channel. Over time, it has expanded to include the systematic removal of earth in archaeological and geological contexts.