- under
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/un"deuhr/, prep.1. beneath and covered by: under a table; under a tree.2. below the surface of: under water; under the skin.3. at a point or position lower or further down than: He was hit just under his eye.4. in the position or state of bearing, supporting, sustaining, enduring, etc.: to sink under a heavy load.5. beneath the heading or within the category of: Classify the books under "Fiction" and "General."6. as designated, indicated, or represented by: to register under a new name.7. below in degree, amount, etc.; less than: purchased under cost.8. below in rank; of less dignity, importance, or the like: A corporal is under a sergeant.9. subject to the authority, direction, or supervision of: a bureau functioning under the prime minister.10. subject to the instruction or advice of: to study the violin under Heifetz.11. subject to the influence, condition, force, etc., of: under these circumstances; born under the sign of Taurus.12. protected, controlled, or watched by: under guard.13. authorized, warranted, or attested by: under one's hand or seal.14. in accordance with: under the provisions of the law.15. during the rule, administration, or government of: new laws passed under President Reagan.16. in the state or process of: under repair; a matter under consideration.17. Naut. powered by the means indicated: under sail; under steam.adv.19. below or beneath something: Go over the fence, not under.20. beneath the surface.21. in a lower place.22. in a lower degree, amount, etc.: selling blouses for $25 and under.23. in a subordinate position or condition.24. in or into subjection or submission.25. go under,a. to give in; succumb; yield: She tried desperately to fight off her drowsiness, but felt herself going under.b. to fail in business: After 20 years on the same corner they finally went under.adj.26. beneath or on the underside: the under threads of the embroidery.27. lower in position.28. lower in degree, amount, etc.29. lower in rank or condition.30. subject to the control, effect, etc., as of a person, drug, or force: The hypnotist had her subject under at once. The patient was under as soon as he breathed the anesthetic.[bef. 900; ME, OE; c. D onder, G unter, ON undir, L inferus located below]
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Universalium. 2010.