undercurrent
1
6.5
- noun
- /ˈʌndərˌkɜːrənt/
:
corriente de fondo
- The windows fogged with a bouquet of onions fried in chicken fat, celery, carrots, peppers, and the subtle acrid undercurrent of beets.
Examples
-
As the boat drifted, we could feel the undercurrent pulling us away from the shore.
-
The swimmer was caught off guard by the strong undercurrent while trying to cross the river.
-
But there was another smell too, a human smell, and an iron undercurrent flavoring the air.
Fiction book (1997) -
The Fraser River was treacherous in places, with deep holes and undercurrents.
Fiction book (2002) -
The hush faded in an undercurrent of buzzing and clicking.
Fiction book (1992) -
The sun breaks through to a soaring melodic core that allows for more focus on the piece's undercurrents.
Blog text (28) -
Professional and personal maps might help in navigation, but these things cannot protect against the undercurrents and unseen dangers of the urban fabric.
Academic text (2013) -
An inflatable sunbed floated upon the surface of the water, drifting with the undercurrent of the filter.
Fiction book (1990) -
It seems frightening, uncontrollable, full of snags, sharp rocks, deadly whirlpools, and undercurrents that can pull the unwary under.
Academic text (1995) -
The ocean's undercurrent made it difficult for the divers to stay in one place.
Synonyms
4
7.4
A strong water current under the surface that pulls you out to sea
A flow of water below the surface that carries sand or silt
A current of water that flows under the surface
Compounds
How Strong
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Undercurrent comes from under ('below') and current ('a flow'), so it literally names a flow of water that runs beneath the surface and can be hidden from view.