adj.
Pronunciation: ˌ ə n-d ə r- ' l ī -i ŋ
Function: adjective
Date: 1611
1 a : lying beneath or below <the underlying rock is shale> b : BASIC , FUNDAMENTAL <an investigation of the underlying issues>
2 : evident only on close inspection : IMPLICIT
3 : anterior and prior in claim < underlying mortgage>
4 : of or being present in deep structure < underlying word order>