undersize

[ uhn-der-sahyz ]

adjective

1. undersized.
2. (of screened minerals) passing through a sieve of given mesh.

Word History and Origins

Origin of undersize¹

First recorded in 1785–95; under- + size ¹

Example Sentences

Though he had good genes, he was undersize, crooked-legged, and more interested in mating than he was in racing.

From The Daily Beast

If he's undersize unhook him gently and throw him back into the river.

From Project Gutenberg

The offspring of those so treated when reaching maturity are usually nervous and slightly undersize.

From Project Gutenberg

Her conscience told her that she enjoyed a joke at Luke's undersize.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• little
• mini
• miniature
• minuscule
• minute
• petite
• small
• tiny