un|der|cut

un|der|cut «verb. _UHN duhr KUHT; noun, adjective. UHN duhr _KUHT», verb, -cut, -cut|ting, noun, adjective.

–v.t.

1. to cut under or beneath; cut away material from so as to leave a portion overhanging: »

to undercut a stratum of rock.

2. Figurative. to weaken; undermine: »

The announcement…was timed to undercut attempts…to mobilize pressure against the Government (New York Times).

3. to notch (the trunk of a tree, a large limb, or a timber or beam) so as to ensure falling in the desired direction or to prevent splitting.

4. Figurative. to sell or work, or offer to do so, for less than (another person or persons).

5. to hit (a ball) slightly below the center, causing it to have backspin, a short, high flight, and a minimum of roll or bounce, especially: a) to hit (a golf ball) thus, as in getting out of a trap or making a short approach to a hole. b) to hit (a tennis ball) thus, as in trapping one's opponent at the net.

–v.i.

to undercut a person or thing.

–n.

1. a cut, or a cutting away, underneath.

2. a notch cut in a tree to determine the direction in which the tree is to fall and to prevent splitting.

3. Especially British. a tenderloin or fillet of beef.

–adj.

1. cut away underneath.

2. done by undercutting.