Undertow
/ˈʌndərˌtoʊ/noun
A current of water below the surface that moves in a different direction from the surface flow.
Did you know?The term 'undertow' conjures images of hidden dangers, evoking the ancient belief in water spirits that could drag the unwary to their depths.
Etymological Timeline
Middle English
English
under-tow
“A current flowing below the surface, often dangerous to swimmers.”
Old English
Old English
under
“Beneath or below.”
Old English
Old English
tōw
“A pulling, dragging, or pulling force.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
undar
“Below, beneath.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*n̥dʰer-
“To lower, to place under.”
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