Excavation

noun

1. The act of excavating, or of making hollow, by cutting, scooping, or digging out a part of a solid mass.
2. A cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping.
3. An uncovered cutting in the earth, in distinction from a covered cutting or tunnel.
4. The material dug out in making a channel or cavity.
5. Archaeological research that unearths buildings, tombs and objects of historical value.