adit

American  

[ad-it] / ˈæd ɪt /

noun

1. an entrance or a passage.

2. Also called entry.  Mining.  a nearly horizontal passage leading into a mine.

3. an approach or access.

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adit British  

/ ˈædɪt /

noun

1. an almost horizontal shaft into a mine, for access or drainage

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Etymology

Origin of adit

1595–1605; < Latin aditus an approach, equivalent to ad- ad- + -i- (stem of īre to go) + -tus suffix of v. action

Example Sentences

"As soon as you go in through that adit, you could literally be back in the 1800s," he said.

From BBC

The kiosk nearby describes this as an “adit,” a short tunnel that was used to gain access to the center of one of the twin tunnels during construction.

From Seattle Times

Fluke said he noticed two collapsed mine adits, or what appear to be, while hiking in Cardiff that he brought to the attention of other state agencies and the EPA.

From Washington Times

Garrett Wake, Division of Minerals southern Nevada chief, classified Roman’s home as an adit - a horizontal opening in a hillside that he said didn’t present much of a danger.

From Washington Times

Lina points to a low tunnel leading off the main passage, an access adit perhaps two feet high.

From The New Yorker