understructure

English

Etymology

From under- +‎ structure.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (US):(file)

Noun

understructure (plural understructures)

  1. The supporting structure underneath something, such as a vehicle or bridge.
    Antonym: superstructure
    Holonym: infrastructure (facilities sense)
    Near-synonyms: infrastructure (foundations sense), underpinnings
    • 2008 January 22, Kirk Johnson, “Strength Renewed, a Grand Old Building Is Back”, in New York Times[1]:
      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.

Anagrams