Definition of the word edit out

The phrase "edit out" originated in the context of audio and video editing. It refers to the process of removing unwanted parts or segments from a recording or footage, leaving behind the desired content. In the early days of film and radio, editing was a relatively new and experimental technique. Productions were edited using physical cuts, meaning that the film or audio was literally cut and spliced together using scissors and tape. As technology advanced, editing became more precise, and new techniques like dissolves (smooth transitions between two scenes) and fades (gradual volume or brightness changes) were introduced. It was during this time that the term "edit out" emerged to describe the process of removing specific segments from a recording. In the context of audio editing, "edit out" typically refers to the removal of mistakes, background noise, or extraneous elements like coughs, sneezes, or pauses. In video editing, "edit out" can also refer to the removal of awkward moments, continuity errors, or unwanted footage. Overall, "edit out" has become a widely used phrase in the world of audio and video production, as it succinctly and efficiently communicates the intention to remove specific parts of a recording.