undercurrent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a subdued emotional quality underlying an utterance; implicit meaning
    undertone.
  2. noun a current below the surface of a fluid
    undertide.

WordNet

Un"der*cur`rent noun
Definitions
  1. A current below the surface of water, sometimes flowing in a contrary direction to that on the surface. Totten.
  2. Hence, figuratively, a tendency of feeling, opinion, or the like, in a direction contrary to what is publicly shown; an unseen influence or tendency; as, a strong undercurrent of sentiment in favor of a prisoner.
    All the while there was a busy undercurrent in her. G. Eliot.
Un"der*cur`rent adjective
Definitions
  1. Running beneath the surface; hidden. R. "Undercurrent woe." Tennyson.

Webster 1913