excavator — a large machine used for digging and moving earth
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a large machine used for digging and moving earth
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈekskəveɪtər/
Example Sentences
- The excavator accidentally dug up a time capsule from 1985 containing a Walkman and some disco records.
- Construction workers need proper training before operating heavy machinery like excavators.
- The archaeological team used a small excavator to carefully uncover the ancient ruins.
excavator
NOUN[/ˈekskəveɪtər/]
a large machine used for digging and moving earth
a large machine used for digging and moving earth
Excavator operator with calculator, coordinating with the elevator!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Excavator derives from Latin excavatus, the past participle of excavare, meaning 'to dig out' or 'to hollow out'. The term originally referred to archaeological work of extracting artifacts from earth, evolving to describe the modern heavy machinery used in civil engineering and construction.
Breakdown
ex- (out) + cavare (to dig/hollow) + -ator (one who/that which). The root cavare is related to cavus (hollow), forming an agent noun denoting the tool or person that performs the action of digging.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The excavator accidentally dug up a time capsule from 1985 containing a Walkman and some disco records.”
“Construction workers need proper training before operating heavy machinery like excavators.”
“The archaeological team used a small excavator to carefully uncover the ancient ruins.”
“My neighbor's kid thinks our yellow excavator is a giant robot transformer in disguise.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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