First Known Use: 1599
Dictionary
excavate
verb ex·ca·vate \ˈek-skə-ˌvāt\
: to uncover (something) by digging away and removing the earth that covers it
: to dig a large hole in (something)
: to form (a hole, tunnel, etc.) by digging
ex·ca·vat·edex·ca·vat·ing
Full Definition of EXCAVATE
transitive verb
1
: to form a cavity or hole in
2
: to form by hollowing out
3
: to dig out and remove
4
: to expose to view by or as if by digging away a covering <excavate the remains of a temple>
intransitive verb
: to make excavations
See excavate defined for English-language learners
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Origin of EXCAVATE
Latin excavatus, past participle of excavare, from ex- + cavare to make hollow — more at cavatina
Rhymes with EXCAVATE
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EXCAVATING Defined for Kids
excavate
verb ex·ca·vate \ˈek-skə-ˌvāt\
ex·ca·vat·edex·ca·vat·ing
Definition of EXCAVATE for Kids
1
: to expose to view by digging away a covering <They've excavated an ancient city.>
2
: to hollow out : form a hole in <Workers excavated the side of a hill.>
3
: to make by hollowing out <We must excavate a tunnel.>
4
: to dig out and remove <Miners excavate diamonds.>
Medical Dictionary
excavate
verb ex·ca·vate \ˈek-skə-ˌvāt\
ex·ca·vat·edex·ca·vat·ing
Medical Definition of EXCAVATE
transitive verb
: to form a cavity or hole in <an excavated wisdom tooth>
intransitive verb
: to make excavations or become hollowed out <an area of infarction in soft tissue often tends to excavate>
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