underlayer

American

[uhn-der-ley-er] / ˈʌn dərˌleɪ ər /

noun

a layer lying beneath another; substratum.

Etymology

Origin of underlayer

First recorded in 1895–1900; under- + layer

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However hateful Ava and Deborah may behave toward each other, their scorn carries an underlayer of heartbreak, reminding us of the profound, twisted love beneath their venom.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2025

Finnie: I feel like the underlayer for me watching it is the dreams and identity.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Suits coats were double-breasted, with a silken underlayer providing contrast.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2024

Unseen is an underlayer of copper plating to control sound and feel.

From Golf Digest • Oct. 17, 2019

It is made up of two layers—a thick underlayer which contains blood vessels, nerves, and glands, and a thin surface layer, called the epithelium.

From Physiology and Hygiene for Secondary Schools by Walters, Francis M.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023