Dug out or removed (earth, rocks, or buried objects) from the ground.
From Latin 'excavare' combining 'ex-' (out) and 'cavare' (to hollow). The word has been used in English since the 16th century, especially in archaeology and construction.
Archaeologists excavate layer by layer because soil acts like a time capsule—each layer tells a story, which is why careful excavation is more important than speed; a rushed dig destroys irreplaceable history.
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