EMBANKMENT

embankment

(noun) a long artificial mound of stone or earth; built to hold back water or to support a road or as protection

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

embankment (plural embankments)

a long mound of earth, stone, or similar material, usually built for purposes such as to hold back or store water, for protection from weather or enemies, or to support a road or railway.

Source: Wiktionary

Em*bank"ment, n.

1. The act of surrounding or defending with a bank.

2. A structure of earth, gravel, etc., raised to prevent water from overflowing a level tract of country, to retain water in a reservoir, or to carry a roadway, etc.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition