UNDERCURRENT
undertone, undercurrent
(noun) a subdued emotional quality underlying an utterance; implicit meaning
undertide, undercurrent
(noun) a current below the surface of a fluid
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
undercurrent (plural undercurrents)
A current of water which flows under the surface, and often in a different direction from surface currents.
(figuratively) A tendency of feeling or opinion that is concealed rather than exposed.
Synonyms: subcurrent, subtext
Verb
undercurrent (third-person singular simple present undercurrents, present participle undercurrenting, simple past and past participle undercurrented)
(transitive, also, figuratively) To flow under some surface.
Source: Wiktionary
Un"der*cur`rent, n.
1. A current below the surface of water, sometimes flowing in a
contrary direction to that on the surface. Totten.
2. Hence, figuratively, a tendency of feeling, opinion, or the like,
in a direction contrary to what is publicly shown; an unseen
influence or tendency; as, a strong undercurrent of sentiment in
favor of a prisoner.
All the while there was a busy undercurrent in her. G. Eliot.
Un"der*cur`rent, a.
Definition: Running beneath the surface; hidden. [R.] "Undercurrent woe."
Tennyson.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition