From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.

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.

© Webster 1913.