understructure

[ uhn-der-struhk-cher ]

noun

1. a structure serving as a support; a base or foundation:

   The building has a strong understructure.

2. any thing, condition, etc., establishing support; a basis:

   an argument that rests on a sound understructure of knowledge.

Word History and Origins

Origin of understructure¹

under- + structure

Example Sentences

When firefighters arrived, they found the man fully underneath the train but not trapped or pinned down by the understructure, Humphrey said.

From Los Angeles Times

That understructure involved rings of gelatinous, squishy Orbeez balls in a mix of water and glycerin.

From Los Angeles Times

Crappie are fair on minnows in and understructure.

From Washington Times

Crappie are fair on minnows with mildly slower activity understructure.

From Washington Times

Crappie are good on jigs to cover water understructure and staying close to extended areas of vegetative cover.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• authority
• base
• bedrock
• groundwork
• infrastructure
• support