undercoat

American  

[uhn-der-koht] / ˈʌn dərˌkoʊt /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to apply an undercoating to.

undercoat British  

/ ˈʌndəˌkəʊt /

noun

1. a coat of paint or other substance applied before the top coat

2. a coat worn under an overcoat

3. zoology another name for underfur

4. the US name for underseal

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of undercoat

First recorded in 1640–50; under- + coat

Example Sentences

“It is thought that double coats can also help the animal stay cool in hot temperatures as the undercoat usually stands upright and may allow improved air flow closer to the skin,” said DeMel.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2024

The genetic data confirm that the woolly dog was no legend; it had distinct genes that contributed to its curly undercoat.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 13, 2023

However, it can be helpful to regularly remove the undercoat, the hair that lies closer to the body, by brushing.

From Scientific American • Sep. 15, 2022

Using a small comb, they brush out the dog's undercoat so the smooth top coat lays flat.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2022

Many a smart blow was landed, but each perceived that the other wore an undercoat of linked mail which might not be pierced.

From Robin Hood by McSpadden, J. Walker (Joseph Walker)