Definition of hollow out

The phrase "hollow out" refers to the act of removing the interior substance or contents from an object, leaving behind a hollow cavity. It originated in the mid-16th century from the Old English word "hlāwan," meaning "to burrow" or "dig a hole." The word "hollow" itself comes from the Old English "hol," meaning "hollow, cavity." The verb version of the phrase, "hollow out," can be traced back to the Middle English "holounten" (c.1300), which was derived from the Old English verb "holan" (c.1100) meaning "to hollow out." The term was used during the Middle Ages to describe the hollowing out process used in craft work, particularly in the manufacture of wooden containers such as bowls and spoons. The use of the term "hollow out" expanded in the latter part of the 19th century, particularly in the context of manufacturing and engineering, as industrial processes allowed for greater precision and accuracy in hollowing out materials. Today, the phrase is commonly used in manufacturing, construction, and agricultural contexts, and also in reference to the excavation of natural cavities, such as in geology and seismic study. In summary, the phrase "hollow out" originated in Old English and Middle English vocabulary, and is derived from words meaning "to dig a hole" or "to create a cavity." Its usage has evolved over time to describe the precise removal of interior substance from objects, a process that has become increasingly significant in many modern industries.