ex·ca·vate 
/ˈɛkskəˌveɪt/ verb
ex·ca·vates; ex·ca·vat·ed; ex·ca·vat·ing /ˈɛkskəˌveɪt/ verb [+ obj] 1 : to uncover (something) by digging away and removing the earth that covers it
▪ They excavated an ancient city. ▪ It is the first site to be excavated in this area. 2 a : to dig a large hole in (something)
▪ They began excavating the backyard for their new pool.
b : to form (a hole, tunnel, etc.) by digging
▪ excavate a tunnel
c : to dig out and remove (dirt, soil, etc.)
▪ The excess dirt was carefully excavated.
▪ They excavated an ancient city. ▪ It is the first site to be excavated in this area.
▪ They began excavating the backyard for their new pool.
b : to form (a hole, tunnel, etc.) by digging
▪ excavate a tunnel
c : to dig out and remove (dirt, soil, etc.)
▪ The excess dirt was carefully excavated.
— ex·ca·va·tion /ˌɛkskəˈveɪʃən/ noun, plural ex·ca·va·tions [count, noncount]
/ˌɛkskəˈveɪʃən/ noun, plural ex·ca·va·tions [count, noncount]
