Undercurrent
English Meaning
A current below the surface of water, sometimes flowing in a contrary direction to that on the surface.
- A current, as of air or water, below another current or beneath a surface.
- An underlying tendency, force, or influence often contrary to what is superficially evident; an intimation: "The Gaucho began to talk, calmly but with an undercurrent of passion” ( Thomas Pynchon).