adit

noun

ad·​it ˈa-dət 

: a nearly horizontal passage from the surface in a mine

Examples of adit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While rare earths will be the primary focus, exploration will also assess the potential for gold mining — the area is dotted with old, small-scale adits and shafts. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026

The second phase will involve closing the mine’s adits and shafts. — USA TODAY, 27 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin aditus "approach, entrance," from adi-, stem of adīre "to go to, approach" (from ad- ad- + īre "to go") + -tus, suffix of action nouns — more at issue entry 1

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above