Omhullende

Omhullende is a Dutch term that functions as both a noun and an adjective, meaning enclosing, surrounding, or the outer covering of something. It comes from om- (around) and hullen (to cover). As an adjective, omhullende describes objects or structures that enclose or surround another part, for example an omhullende laag or an omhullende structuur. As a noun, it can refer to the act of enclosing or to the enclosing element itself, though in common usage the noun form is less frequent than the attributive use of the adjective.

In mathematics and computer science, omhullende describes an enclosing or bounding shape that contains a set of points. The concept is often expressed with phrases such as omhullende veelhoek (enclosing or bounding polygon) or omhullende bol (bounding sphere). The term is commonly paired with convex, as in convexe omhullende veelhoek, to indicate the smallest convex shape that contains the given points.

In the natural sciences and engineering, omhullende refers to outer layers or shells that surround an object. This can apply to physical coatings, protective shells, or envelopes around molecules, particles, or cells. The idea emphasizes the exterior boundary rather than the interior content.

See also: omhulling, hull, envelope, bounding shape, convex hull.