adit

Meaning

A horizontal or nearly horizontal passage from the surface into a mine, as contrasted with a shaft or vertical entry passage. An adit may be used for ventilation, haulage, drainage, or other purposes.

Synonyms

gallery

entrance

entry

driveway

gangway

tunnel

stulm

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈæ.dɪt/

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin aditus (“entrance, access”), from ad (“to, up to”) + itus (“going, departure”).