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

By the June of that year the understructure of the Pier was finished, and the rest was advancing with the speed of paper-hanging.

From Project Gutenberg

And I confess that at this close view of the understructure of a polygamous career, I was weak enough to feel scandalized.

From Project Gutenberg

Stan saw a Liberator smack into a bursting shell that exploded against her understructure.

From Project Gutenberg

The hair at the back of his neck lifted as his understructure raked across the hatch cover of the Jerry.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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