excursion

[ ik-skur-zhuhn, -shuhn ]

noun

1. a short trip or outing to some place, usually for a special purpose and with the intention of a prompt return:

   a pleasure excursion; a scientific excursion.

2. a trip on a train, ship, etc., at a reduced rate:

   weekend excursions to mountain resorts.

3. the group of persons making such a journey:

   an excursion of tourists.

4. a deviation or digression:

   excursions into futile philosophizing.

5. Physics. the displacement of a body or a point from a mean position or neutral value, as in an oscillation.
6. an accidental increase in the power level of a reactor, usually forcing its emergency shutdown.
7. Machinery.
   1. the range of stroke of any moving part.
   2. the stroke itself.
8. Obsolete. a sally or raid.

verb (used without object)

1. to go on or take an excursion.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or intended for use on excursions:

   an excursion fare; an excursion bus.

excursion

/ -ʒən; ɪkˈskɜːʃən /

noun

1. a short outward and return journey, esp for relaxation, sightseeing, etc; outing
2. a group of people going on such a journey
3. modifier of or relating to special reduced rates offered on certain journeys by rail

   an excursion ticket

4. a digression or deviation; diversion

   an excursion into politics

5. (formerly) a raid or attack
6. physics
   1. a movement from an equilibrium position, as in an oscillation
   2. the magnitude of this displacement
7. the normal movement of a movable bodily organ or part from its resting position, such as the lateral movement of the lower jaw
8. machinery the locus of a point on a moving part, esp the deflection of a whirling shaft

Other Words From

• ex·cursion·al ex·cursion·ary adjective
• preex·cursion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of excursion¹

First recorded in 1565–75, excursion is from the Latin word excursiōn- (stem of excursiō ). See excursus, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of excursion¹

C16: from Latin excursiō an attack, from excurrere to run out, from currere to run

Related Words

• cruise
• expedition
• jaunt
• junket
• outing
• picnic
• round trip
• safari
• tour
• trek
• trip