excavation

n. [ L. excavatio: cf. F. excavation. ] 1. The act of excavating, or of making hollow, by cutting, scooping, or digging out a part of a solid mass. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping. “A winding excavation.” Glover. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Engin.) (a) An uncovered cutting in the earth, in distinction from a covered cutting or tunnel. (b) The material dug out in making a channel or cavity. [ 1913 Webster ]

The delivery of the excavations at a distance of 250 feet. E. L. Corthell. [ 1913 Webster ]