backfill

[bak-fil] /ˈbækˌfɪl/
noun
1.
material used for refilling an excavation.
verb (used with object)
2.
to refill (an excavation).
Origin
1950-55; back2 + fill
Examples from the web for backfill
  • Compacting backfill will be measured by the cubic yard of backfill material placed.
  • backfill must be capable of filling the spaces between tank ribs.
British Dictionary definitions for backfill

backfill

/ˈbækˌfɪl/
verb
1.
(transitive) to refill an excavated trench, esp (in archaeology) at the end of an investigation
noun
2.
the soil used to do this
Word Origin and History for backfill
n.

1901 (as backfilling), from back (adj.) + fill (n.). The verb was in use by 1930.