How Do You Spell HANDHOLE?

Pronunciation: [hˈandhə͡ʊl] (IPA)

The word "handhole" is often used in the industrial and mechanical fields to refer to an opening in a surface that allows for easy access to the interior. The word is spelled with a silent "d" and the stress is on the first syllable. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /ˈhændhoʊl/. The "h" is pronounced as a voiceless glottal fricative, the "a" is pronounced as a short "æ" sound, and the second syllable is pronounced with a long "o."

HANDHOLE Meaning and Definition

1. A handhole is a defined opening or access point, typically found on various equipment and structures, designed to allow human hands or tools to reach inside for maintenance, inspection, or repair purposes. It is commonly a small, rectangular-shaped opening with a cover or door that can be opened or removed to access the interior components.

   Handholes are often found in electrical enclosures, underground utility vaults, equipment cabinets, and other similar installations. They are strategically placed to provide a safe and convenient means of reaching the internal components of these structures without requiring the disassembly or removal of the entire unit.

   The handhole provides a secure point of entry that allows personnel to perform tasks such as connecting or disconnecting electrical cables, conducting visual inspections, troubleshooting issues, or making necessary repairs. The handhole cover or door is usually fastened securely to prevent accidental opening and protect the internal components from exposure to harmful environmental elements such as dirt, dust, water, or extreme temperatures.

   In addition to their functional purpose, handholes are designed with safety in mind. They are often equipped with locks, latches, or special mechanisms to prevent unauthorized or accidental access, ensuring the protection of both personnel and equipment. Some handholes may also incorporate gaskets, seals, or insulation materials to provide added protection against moisture, contamination, or electrical hazards.

Common Misspellings for HANDHOLE

• gandhole
• bandhole
• nandhole
• jandhole
• uandhole
• yandhole
• hzndhole
• hsndhole
• hwndhole
• hqndhole
• habdhole
• hamdhole
• hajdhole
• hahdhole
• hanshole
• hanxhole
• hanchole
• hanfhole
• hanrhole
• hanehole

Etymology of HANDHOLE

The word "handhole" originated as a compound noun formed from the combination of two words: "hand" and "hole".

The word "hand" can be traced back to the Old English "hand" or "hond", which is also cognate with other Germanic languages. It ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word *handuz, which referred to the human hand.

"Hole", on the other hand, comes from the Old English "hol" or "holu", which has cognates in various other Indo-European languages. It has roots that can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European *kel-, meaning "to cover or conceal".

Therefore, when these two words are combined, "handhole" results, representing a hole or opening that is specifically designed for a person's hand to fit through.