v. /un'deuhr kut", un"deuhr kut'/ ; n., adj., /un"deuhr kut'/ , v. , undercut, undercutting , n. , adj.
v.t.
1. to cut under or beneath.
2. to cut away material from so as to leave a portion overhanging, as in carving or sculpture.
3. to offer goods or services at a lower price or rate than (a competing price or rate) or than that of (a competitor).
4. to weaken or destroy the impact or effectiveness of; undermine.
5. Golf. to hit (the ball) so as to cause a backspin.
6. Tennis. to slice (the ball) using an underhand motion.
7. to cut (a sound recording) with grooves too shallow or with insufficient lateral motion of the stylus.
8. Forestry. to cut a notch in (a tree) in order to control the direction in which the tree is to fall.
v.i.
9. to undercut material, a competitor, a ball, etc.
n.
10. a cut or a cutting away underneath.
11. a notch cut in a tree to determine the direction in which the tree is to fall and to prevent splitting.
12. Golf. a backspin.
13. Tennis. a slice or cut made with an underhand motion.
14. Chiefly Brit. a tenderloin of beef including the fillet.
15. Dentistry. a tooth cavity prepared with a wide base for anchoring a filling securely.
adj.
16. having or resulting from an undercut.
[ 1350-1400; ME undercutten to cut down; see UNDER-, CUT ]