English Dictionary

Definition of “undertow

undertow (ˈʌndəˌtəʊPronunciation for undertow

Definitions

noun

  1. the seaward undercurrent following the breaking of a wave on the beach
  2. any strong undercurrent flowing in a different direction from the surface current

Usage examples

  • It pulled at her, tugged until she was swept to the middle and caught in an undertow that carried her upstream.
    Lawson, Jonell, Roses are for the Rich (1985)
  • A glossy, well-produced album of populist anthems with a gangsta undertow , that expands his worldview and celebrates success.
    NME (New Musical Express) (2002)
  • The undertow pulled the car off her and Mrs Boardman survived.
    The Australian (2004)
  • In the Seventies and Eighties, however, art that had sex as its theme had a slightly prudish undertow.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • The undertow is responsible for the removal of eroded material from the wave-cut platform, to be deposited as the shoreface terrace.
    Jilbert, John, Geography Basic Facts (1983)

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