1. A large machine with a hinged metal bucket attached to a hydraulic arm, used to move large quantities of earth or soil or for lifting.
2. A power-driven machine for digging, moving, or transporting loose gravel, sand, or soil.
3. A person or animal that digs or hollows something out; especially, someone who is engaged in archaeological excavationn.
4. In medicine, an instrument like a large sharp spoon or scoop, used in scraping out pathologic tissue.
5. In dentistry, an instrument, generally a small "spoon" or curette, for cleaning out and shaping a carious cavity preparatory to filling.