underwing

American  

[uhn-der-wing] / ˈʌn dərˌwɪŋ /

noun

1. one of the hind wings of an insect.

2. Also underwing moth any of several noctuid moths of the genus Catocala, characterized by red-, yellow-, or orange-banded hind wings.

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underwing British  

/ ˈʌndəˌwɪŋ /

noun

1. the hind wing of an insect, esp when covered by the forewing

2. See red underwing yellow underwing

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Etymology

Origin of underwing

First recorded in 1525–35; under- + wing

Example Sentences

Virgin Orbit, founded in 2017, launches a small rocket called LauncherOne from the underwing of a modified Boeing 747, named Cosmic Girl.

From The Verge • Aug. 23, 2021

John Phillips, an underwing mechanic at Spirit, is also looking for work outside Wichita after being laid off.

From The Guardian • Feb. 1, 2020

Last year, the species seen on Staten Island included the banded tussock, the tulip-tree beauty and the large yellow underwing.

From New York Times • Jul. 23, 2015

Off the main hangar floor, a young mechanic repaired two small underwing panels with blown-out fastener holes.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2015

Look down into this foxglove bell and you will know that; look long and lovingly at this blue butterfly's underwing, and a feeling will rise to your consciousness.

From The Open Air by Jefferies, Richard