c. 1400, "full of caverns," from Latin cavernosus "full of cavities" (source also of Italian cavernoso, French caverneux), from caverna (see cavern). Meaning "full of cavities, porous" is from 1590s. Meaning "deely hollowed out" is recorded from 1830.
vast cavernous chambers hollowed out of limestone
cave-bear
cave-dweller
caveman
cavendish
cavern
cavernous
caviar
cavil
cavitate
cavitation
cavity