I. ˈən-dər adverb
Etymology: Middle English, adverb & preposition, from Old English; akin to Old High German untar under, Latin inferus situated beneath, lower, infra below, Sanskrit adha
Date: before 12th century
1. : in or into a position below or beneath something
2. : below or short of some quantity, level, or limit
$10 or under
— often used in combination
under staffed
3. : in or into a condition of subjection, subordination, or unconsciousness
put the patient under for surgery
4. : down to defeat, ruin, or death
businesses going under
5. : so as to be covered
buried under by the avalanche
II. preposition
Date: before 12th century
1. : below or beneath so as to be overhung, surmounted, covered, protected, or concealed by
under sunny skies
a soft heart under a stern exterior
under cover of darkness
2.
a. : subject to the authority, control, guidance, or instruction of
served under the general
under the terms of the contract
a program that runs under any operating system
b. : receiving or undergoing the action or effect of
under pressure
courage under fire
under the influence of alcohol
the image of a point under a mapping
under oath
3.
a. : within the group or designation of
under this heading
b. : having as name or title
traveling under an alias
4. : less or lower than (as in size, amount, or rank) ; especially : falling short of a standard or required degree
under the legal age
under par
III. adjective
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : lying or placed below, beneath, or on the ventral side — often used in combination
under lip
b. : facing or protruding downward
2. : lower in rank or authority : subordinate
3. : lower than usual, proper, or desired in amount, quality, or degree — often used in combination
an under -dose of medicine