undercast

[ uhn-der-kast, -kahst ]

noun

1. Mining. a crossing of two passages, as airways, dug at the same level so that one descends to pass beneath the other without any opening into it. Compare overcast ( def 9 ).
2. Meteorology. an overcast layer of clouds viewed from above.

Word History and Origins

Origin of undercast¹

First recorded in 1880–85; under- + cast

Example Sentences

In its first-ever performances here, Donizetti’s “The Daughter of the Regiment” was undercast.

From New York Times

One: a dark comedy starring the perennially undercast Anna Faris as a recovering alcoholic and single mother revisiting a fraught relationship with her own recovering addict mother, played by the always impeccable Allison Janney.

From Slate

The supporting actors are all fine, if occasionally undercast.

From New York Times

She has always been a good actor but has often been slightly undercast, playing to the natural strengths of her distinctive crackling voice and witty face: she is a shoo-in for any Restoration drama.

From The Guardian

Undercast, un′dėr-kast, n. an air-passage crossing a road in a mine by means of an air-tight box or channel beneath it.

From Project Gutenberg