subcurrent

[ suhb-kur-uh nt, -kuhr- ]
/ ˈsʌbˌkɜr ənt, -ˌkʌr- /

noun

a not clearly revealed or formulated direction of thought, intention, action, etc., underlying what is manifested: His words, though ostensibly friendly, betrayed a subcurrent of hostility.

Origin of subcurrent

First recorded in 1900–05; sub- + current

Words nearby subcurrent

subcover, subcrepitant, subcritical, subcrustal, subculture, subcurrent, subcutaneous, subcutaneous emphysema, subcutaneous fat necrosis of newborn, subcutaneous flap, subcutaneous mastectomy

Example sentences from the Web for subcurrent

  • She talked volubly, and with just that pitch in her voice that betrays a subcurrent of excitement.

    Gordon Keith |Thomas Nelson Page

  • There was a subcurrent of excitement in her voice, and the night seemed to grow more still as she went on speaking.

    Sunlight Patch |Credo Fitch Harris

  • The old myth of age to youth and the subcurrent of sin with its stalking, laughing, subtle Mephistopheles.

    The Blind Spot |Austin Hall