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

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

By noon the sky was heavily overcast, and an hour later undercast as well.

From Project Gutenberg