undercurrent

Definition

A current of water which flows under the surface, and often in a different direction from surface currents.

Etymology

From under- + current.

Example Sentences

• "For that an undercurrent (which ſome have beleived,) in the ſtraights-mouth, will not ſolve this difficulty, unleſs occaſioned by a vaſt Gulf that muſt be placed ſomewhere in the Atlantic near the Mouth of the ſtraight, which though overflown and hidden by that mighty ſea, yet may poſſibly abſorb the deeper waters, and ſo cauſe a contrary undercurrent."
• "[W]e have a surface current of saltish water from the poles towards the equator, and an undercurrent of water, saltier and heavier, from the equator to the poles. This undercurrent supplies in a great measure the salt which the upper current, freighted with fresh water from the clouds and rivers, carries back."
• "The meeting was pervaded with an undercurrent of dread, as the managers tried not to admit that firings were looming."