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undercurrent

[uhn-der-kur-uhnt, -kuhr-]

Origin

noun

a tendency underlying or at variance with the obvious or superficial significance of words, actions, etc.: Even in his friendliest remarks, one could sense an undercurrent of hostility.

a current, as of air or water, that flows below the upper currents or surface.

Origin:
1675–85; under- + current

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Undercurrent is always a great word to know.

So is ninnyhammer. Does it mean:

a fool or simpleton; ninny.

an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

undercurrent (ˈʌndəˌkʌrənt)

—n
1.	a current that is not apparent at the surface or lies beneath another current
2.	an opinion, emotion, etc, lying beneath apparent feeling or meaning

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

undercurrent

1663, "stream of water or air flowing beneath the surface or beneath another current," a hybrid formed from under + current. The fig. sense of "suppressed or underlying character" is attested from 1817.

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Matching Quote

"What makes revolutionists is either self-pity, or indignation for the sake of others, or a sympathetic perception of the dominant undercurrent of progress in things. The nature before us is revolutionist from the direct sense of personal worth,... that pride of life, which to the Greek was a heavenly grace."

-Walter Pater

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undercurrent

un·der·cur·rent