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

“Why, you’ll have an adit that will clear the water off as fast as it comes in.”

From The Vicar's People by Fenn, George Manville