1
: in or into a position below or beneath something
2
: below or short of some quantity, level, or limit
$10 or under
—often used in combinationunderstaffed
3
: in or into a condition of subjection, subordination, or unconsciousness
put the patient under for surgery
4
: down to defeat, ruin, or death
weaker competitors will be forced under
5
: so as to be covered
buried under by the avalanche
1
: below or beneath so as to be overhung, surmounted, covered, protected, or concealed by
under sunny skies
a soft heart under a stern exterior
under cover of darkness
2
a
: subject to the authority, control, guidance, or instruction of
served under the general
under the terms of the contract
a program that runs under any operating system
b
: receiving or undergoing the action or effect of
under pressure
courage under fire
under the influence of alcohol
the image of a point under a mapping
under oath
3
a
: within the group or designation of
under this heading
b
: having as name or title
traveling under an alias
4
: less or lower than (as in size, amount, or rank)
especially
: falling short of a standard or required degree
under the legal age
under par
1
a
: lying or placed below, beneath, or on the ventral side
—often used in combination
the ocean's undercurrents
the underside of a car
b
: facing or protruding downward
—often used in combination
the undersurface of a leaf
2
: lower in rank or authority : subordinate
—often used in combination
the undersecretary of defense
3
: lower than usual, proper, or desired in amount, quality, or degree
—often used in combination
undernourished children
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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