subcurrent
|sub-cur-rent|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈsʌbˌkɜːrənt/
🇬🇧
/ˈsʌbˌkʌrənt/
hidden or underlying flow
Etymology
Etymology Information
'subcurrent' originates from Latin, specifically the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under' and the word 'current' from 'currere' meaning 'to run.'
Historical Evolution
'subcurrent' was formed in English by combining 'sub-' and 'current,' following the pattern of scientific and technical vocabulary.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a physical current beneath the surface, but over time it also came to mean a hidden or underlying tendency or feeling.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a current of water, air, or emotion that flows beneath or below the main current; a hidden or underlying tendency.
There was a subcurrent of tension in the room during the meeting.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/29 04:57