excavation

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   The act of excavating, or of making hollow, by cutting, scooping, or digging out a part of a solid mass.
2. 2
   The act of excavating, or of making hollow, by cutting, scooping, or digging out a part of a solid mass: Especially, the trade of digging engineered holes for building foundations, roadbed preparations, and similar purposes.
3. 3
   A cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping.
4. 4
   An uncovered cutting in the earth, in distinction from a covered cutting or tunnel.
5. 5
   The material dug out in making a channel or cavity.
6. 6
   Archaeological research that unearths buildings, tombs and objects of historical value.
7. 7
   A site where an archaeological exploration is being carried out.
8. 8
   Something uncovered by archaeological excavation.
9. 9
   The act of discovering and exposing or developing (a quality).