understructure en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Etymology
From under- + structure.
Meanings
-
The supporting structure underneath something, such as a vehicle or bridge.
Four small suspension bridges, complete with towers and cables like those on the span across the East River, are now encased inside the Capitol’s subbasement understructure.
2008 January 22, Kirk Johnson, “Strength Renewed, a Grand Old Building Is Back”, in New York Times:Near-synonyms: infrastructure (foundations sense), underpinnings
Holonym: infrastructure (facilities sense)
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| understructures | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Antonyms
superstructure · overstructure