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Definition of exhumation

exhumation

/ˌɛks.hjuːˈmeɪ.ʃən/
ex · hu · ma · tion
Plural:exhumations
•
Adjective:exhumatory
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exhumation Lexical Profile

exhumation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act or process of digging up something buried in the ground, especially a human corpse for forensic examination or reburial.

Example

"The judge ordered the exhumation of the remains so that forensic pathologists could conduct a modern DNA analysis."

2

The exposure of rock or land surfaces that were formerly buried, caused by the erosion of overlying geological strata.

Example

"Tectonic uplift and rapid river erosion accelerated the exhumation of ancient metamorphic rocks along the mountain range."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for exhumation

• Nearby Words

exhort
exhortation
exhorter
exhumation
exhume
exhumer
exile

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French or Medieval Latin exhumationem, a noun of action from the verb exhumare ('to dig out of the ground'), formed from Latin ex- ('out of') and humus ('earth, ground, soil').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Exhumation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/exhumation
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