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v. ex·ca·vat·ed, ex·ca·vat·ing, ex·ca·vates v.tr. 1. To make a hole in; hollow out: excavate an ore-rich hillside. 2. To form by hollowing out. 3. To remove by digging or scooping out. 4. To expose or uncover by or as if by digging: excavate an archaeological site. v.intr. To engage in digging, hollowing out, or removing. [Latin excavāre, excavāt-, to hollow out : ex-, ex- + cavāre, to hollow (from cavus, hollow; see keuə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] |
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