undercoat

[ uhn-der-koht ]

noun

1. a coat or jacket worn under another.
2. Zoology. a growth of short fur or hair lying beneath a longer growth.
3. an undercoating.
4. a coat of paint or the like applied under the finishing coat.
5. a paint, sealer, or the like specially prepared for use underneath a finishing coat.

verb (used with object)

1. to apply an undercoating to.

undercoat

/ ˈʌndəˌkəʊt /

noun

1. a coat of paint or other substance applied before the top coat
2. a coat worn under an overcoat
3. See underfur
   zoology another name for underfur
4. See underseal
   the US name for underseal

verb

1. tr to apply an undercoat to (a surface)

Word History and Origins

Origin of undercoat¹

First recorded in 1640–50; under- + coat

Example Sentences

A fur seal naturally has fur, the hair seal has no undercoat whatever.

From Project Gutenberg

Undercote, or undercoat; fester under the skin (coat is "cutis," skin).

From Project Gutenberg

It should be profuse, thick and harsh to the touch, with a dense undercoat.

From Project Gutenberg

Get some sort of stuff, made of sheep's clothing, I don't know what you call 'n, for to make an undercoat for the old oman.

From Project Gutenberg

She was medium-sized, and her dark undercoat was dappled with bluish spots, or ticks.

From Project Gutenberg