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Glite Dictionary
undershot

undershot

8.9
Having the lower jaw sticking out past the upper jaw
  • adjective
  • /ˈʌndərˌʃɑt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mandíbula prognática
  • Breeders often prefer dogs with an undershot jaw for certain breeds, as it is seen as a desirable trait.

Examples

  • Among undershot water-wheel groups, there is a collective perception that top-end irrigators have relatively greater power over those below them in their irrigation network.

    Academic text (1995)

  • The water mill, here nestled in a deep valley (Fig. 22), is driven by a large, undershot, vertical waterwheel and right-angle gearing.

    Academic text (2002)

  • The bulldog has an undershot jaw that makes its bite look more powerful.

  • During the dog show, the judge noted that the terrier's undershot mouth gave it a distinctive appearance.

Synonyms

hypognathous
vsundershot
  • Specialized
9.9

Having a lower jaw that sticks out past the upper jaw

is the common nontechnical term for that jaw feature in animals
underhung
vsundershot
  • Specialized
8.7

The lower part sticks out beyond the upper part, like a jaw

is focused specifically on the lower jaw projecting in animal mouths
underslung
vsundershot
8.6

An object with a lower part that hangs below the main part

means a projecting lower jaw rather than a hanging or drooping lower part

Surface Forms

undershot positive

Morphology

undershot = shot (opaque) = under + shot

Although formally analyzable as 'under' + 'shot', the meaning 'lower jaw projecting beyond the upper' is a specialized/idiomatic sense that is not predictable from the parts for most learners.

Etymology

Undershot comes from under ('below') and shot (from 'shoot', meaning 'thrown' or 'pushed out'). So an undershot jaw is like something 'pushed out below' the rest of the face, which is why the lower jaw sticks out.