Excavator: meaning, definitions and examples

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excavator

[ˈɛkskəˌveɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

construction machinery

An excavator is a large machine that is used for digging and moving large amounts of earth, rock, or other materials. It typically has a bucket, boom, and cab mounted on a rotating platform.

Synonyms

backhoe, digger, shovel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
excavator	Used in construction or mining to describe heavy and large machinery for digging and moving large amounts of earth. The construction team used an excavator to prepare the site for the new building
digger	A general term that can refer to any machine or person that digs. It's less formal and often used colloquially. He rented a digger to help landscape his garden
backhoe	Refers to a piece of equipment that has a blade on the front and a smaller, hinged arm and bucket on the back, often used for smaller construction tasks and in urban areas. The worker operated the backhoe to dig a trench for the new water pipes in the neighborhood
shovel	A hand tool used by individuals for digging or transferring materials like soil, gravel, or snow. It is also used metaphorically to indicate manual or smaller-scale operations. She used a shovel to plant the new trees in her backyard

Examples of usage

The excavator dug a deep hole for the foundation of the building.
The excavator was used to clear the debris after the landslide.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

archaeology

In archaeology, an excavator is a person who systematically uncovers and removes artifacts and structures from the ground in order to study and learn about past civilizations.

Synonyms

archaeologist, digger, fieldworker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
excavator	This term is often used to describe a heavy machinery used in construction and mining to dig and move large amounts of earth. It is a common piece of equipment in worksites. The excavator dug a large trench for the new pipeline. Using the excavator, they quickly cleared the area for the new building foundation.
archaeologist	An archaeologist is a professional who studies human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. This term is mainly used in academic and research contexts. The archaeologist discovered a set of ancient tools in the desert. As an archaeologist, she spends a lot of time analyzing pottery shards.
digger	Commonly refers to a person or a tool/machine used for digging. While it can be used informally for a person who digs for a living, it can also be a simple term for an implement like a shovel or machinery. The digger unearthed the old coins buried in the backyard. They hired a digger to help with the garden landscaping.
fieldworker	This term is often used to describe individuals who perform work in the field, especially in agriculture, social research, or scientific studies. It implies hands-on work outside of an office environment. Fieldworkers collected soil samples from the agricultural plots for analysis. As a fieldworker, she frequently interviews locals to gather data for her research.

Examples of usage

The excavator carefully brushed away the dirt to reveal the ancient pottery.
The lead excavator discovered a hidden chamber beneath the ruins.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'excavator' comes from the Latin verb 'excavare', meaning 'to hollow out' or 'to dig out'.
In English, it first appeared in the 19th century, reflecting the growth of mechanized construction.
The term also relates to excavation, which refers to the process of digging out earth.

History

The first powered excavators were introduced in the early 20th century, revolutionizing construction and mining.
Before machines, manual tools like shovels and picks were used for excavation, making work much slower.
The design of excavators has evolved significantly, incorporating hydraulics and advanced mechanics for efficiency.

Science and Technology

Modern excavators are equipped with technology like GPS and sensors, allowing for precise digging and minimizing errors.
Hydraulic systems in excavators enable them to lift heavier loads with less effort, enhancing their usefulness.
Excavators come in various types, including mini-excavators for small jobs and large excavators for heavy-duty tasks.

Cultural Impact

Excavators frequently appear in children's toys, games, and books, illustrating their importance in construction.
They're often featured in documentaries about archaeology, showcasing their role in discovering ancient artifacts.
In popular culture, excavators symbolize progress and development, being central to many construction-related films and shows.

Environmental Factors

Excavation processes can impact the environment, requiring careful planning to reduce effects on surrounding ecosystems.
Innovative excavators are being designed to minimize fuel consumption and emissions, promoting eco-friendly construction.
Soil erosion can occur during excavation if proper measures like silt fences or sediment traps aren’t used.

Translations

Translations of the word "excavator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escavadora

🇮🇳 खुदाई करने वाला

🇩🇪 Bagger

🇮🇩 eksavator

🇺🇦 екскаватор

🇵🇱 koparka

🇯🇵 ショベルカー

🇫🇷 excavatrice

🇪🇸 excavadora

🇹🇷 kazıcı

🇰🇷 굴착기

🇸🇦 حفار

🇨🇿 bagr

🇸🇰 bagor

🇨🇳 挖掘机

🇸🇮 koparka

🇮🇸 gröfuveitur

🇰🇿 қазғыш

🇬🇪 ექსკავატორი

🇦🇿 qaralma

🇲🇽 excavadora

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,194, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
25191 shrugging
25192 marshalling
25193 screeched
25194 excavator
25195 pagination
25196 compacting
25197 retold
...