a short outward and return journey, esp for relaxation, sightseeing, etc; outing a group of people going on such a journey - (modifier)
of or relating to special reduced rates offered on certain journeys by rail: an excursion ticket a digression or deviation; diversion: an excursion into politics (formerly) a raid or attack a movement from an equilibrium position, as in an oscillation the magnitude of this displacement the normal movement of a movable bodily organ or part from its resting position, such as the lateral movement of the lower jaw the locus of a point on a moving part, esp the deflection of a whirling shaft
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
ex•cur•sion /ɪkˈskɜrʒən/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- a short trip or outing to some place:an excursion to the Statue of Liberty.
- a deviation, digression, or change of direction into a new area:a brief excursion into politics.
ex•cur•sion
(ik skûr′zhən, -shən),USA pronunciation n.
v.i.
adj.
ex•cur′sion•al, ex•cur′sion•ar′y, adj.
- 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.
- a trip on a train, ship, etc., at a reduced rate:weekend excursions to mountain resorts.
- the group of persons making such a journey:an excursion of tourists.
- a deviation or digression:excursions into futile philosophizing.
- Physicsthe displacement of a body or a point from a mean position or neutral value, as in an oscillation.
- Energyan accidental increase in the power level of a reactor, usually forcing its emergency shutdown.
- [Mach.]
- Mechanical Engineeringthe range of stroke of any moving part.
- Mechanical Engineeringthe stroke itself.
- [Obs.]a sally or raid.
v.i.
- to go on or take an excursion.
adj.
- of, pertaining to, or intended for use on excursions:an excursion fare; an excursion bus.
- Latin excursiōn- (stem of excursiō). See excursus, -ion
- 1565–75
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