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Hollowing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hollowing

[ˈhɒloʊɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

removing material

Hollowing refers to the process of creating a hollow or empty space within an object. This can be done by removing material from the inside of a solid item, such as a log or a block of clay. The term is often used in contexts such as carpentry, pottery, and sculpture. The technique allows for the creation of lightweight structures and can also be used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of an object.

Synonyms

carving, depleting, excavating.

Examples of usage

  • The artist spent hours hollowing out the piece of wood.
  • She is hollowing the clay pot to make it lighter.
  • The craftsmen are hollowing the logs to create furniture.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In art, hollowing objects is often used to create sculptures where the interior can resonate with sound or light.
  • Hollowing trees is an ancient practice used by various cultures to create canoes and drums, emphasizing resourcefulness.
  • In literature, hollow characters or settings often symbolize emptiness or lack of substance, leading to deeper narratives.

Psychology

  • The experience of feeling 'hollow' can relate to emotional emptiness, often connected to loneliness or depression.
  • Psychologists use the concept of 'hollowing' in therapeutic contexts to discuss filling emotional voids with healthy relationships and activities.
  • Research suggests that people often seek connections and experiences to avoid feelings of hollowness in their lives.

Science

  • Hollow structures in engineering, like beams and pipes, are designed to maximize strength while minimizing weight.
  • Certain animals, like jellyfish, have hollow bodies that help them float and move more efficiently in water.
  • In biology, hollow organs (like the stomach) have specific adaptations to fulfill their functions, often involving a delicate balance of structure.

Literature

  • The idea of 'hollow men' can be traced to T.S. Eliot's poem, where it reflects themes of despair and existential crisis.
  • Hollowing out themes in novels often relate to characters' struggles with identity, purpose, or connection to others.
  • Mythological tales frequently use the concept of emptiness to frame quests for fulfillment or self-discovery.

Origin of 'hollowing'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Hollow' comes from the Old English word 'holh', meaning a 'hole' or 'depression.'
  • The suffix '-ing' indicates an ongoing action, turning 'hollow' into the act of creating emptiness.
  • Related words like 'hollowed' have been used since around the 12th century to describe emptied spaces.

The word 'hollow' originates from the Old English term 'holh', which means a hole or a cavity. It has Germanic roots, linked to the Old High German word 'hol', denoting emptiness. Over time, the word evolved to describe spaces that are empty or devoid of substance. The present participle form 'hollowing' emerged as people began to use the term in various practical contexts, particularly in woodworking and crafts, where creating an empty space within a material became a common practice. The process of hollowing is not only practical but has also been influential in art and design, leading to the creation of exquisite pieces that emphasize the interplay between empty and filled spaces.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,249 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.