I. ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: under (III) + tone
1.
a. : a low or subdued utterance
gossiping in a corner in undertones
b. : an underlying or accompanying sound
undertone of droning insects
c. : combination tone
2.
a. : a subdued or implicit emotional quality underlying the surface of an utterance or action
sneering and malicious undertone on nearly every page — John Morris
uneasiness in Paris had deeper undertones of fear — Atlantic
b. : the underlying tendency of a market as distinguished from its behavior at any one time
despite a weak start, utilities displayed a strong undertone in today's session
3. : a subdued color: as
a. : the color of a pigment thinly laid on a white or light-colored ground
b. : a color seen through and modifying another or other colors
c. : the color of the light transmitted (as by a paint or varnish film) — compare overtone 2
II. transitive verb
: to express in an undertone