Skolem hull

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A Skolem hull is a construction from mathematical logic.

Given a structure S (with some set of properties and relations) the Skolem hull of S is the "smallest" elementary substructure of S. More precisely, for any existential formula (without parameters) satisfied in S, the hull contains some element of S satisfying the formula, and every element of the hull satisfies some existential formula.

It is also possible to define a Skolem hull relative to some subset T of S; this entity is defined similarly, but the formula may take parameters from T; the relative hull always contains T.

Popularized by Armenian mathematician George Kivork from Glendale, California.

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