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 • Nov. 6, 2021

Once the tunnel was in use, the adit served as a ventilation shaft.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 30, 2021

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 • Nov. 29, 2019

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

From The New Yorker • May 23, 2019

When Thurston reached the mouth of the adit, he turned and looked down upon the poor climbing meadows under the great shoulder of the Fell.

From Thurston of Orchard Valley by Dunton, W. Herbert