undercut

• Nom désignant une coupe ou une entaille réalisée par le bas pour retirer de la matière, ou la partie ainsi retirée. Il peut aussi s'agir d'une coupe de viande tendre issue du filet, d'une entaille à la base d'un tronc d'arbre pour guider sa chute, ou d'un coup sportif imprimant un effet rétro au ballon.

A noun referring to a cut made underneath to remove material, or the material removed by such a cut. It can also refer to the tender meat of the loin muscle, a notch cut in a tree trunk to determine its fall direction, or a sports stroke that puts reverse spin on the ball.

1. Material removed by an undercutC1formaltechnical

   The material that is removed when a cut is made underneath a surface or object.

   matière enlevée par une contre-dépouille

   • The machinist carefully collected the undercut from the metal plate.
   • The undercut from the carving was used as filler for the base.
   • He examined the undercut to ensure the cut was precise.

2. Tender meat cutB2formalculinary

   The tender meat from the loin muscle on each side of the vertebral column, often used for steaks.

   Filet de bœuf (partie tendre du muscle le long de la colonne vertébrale)

   • The chef prepared a delicious steak from the undercut.
   • She ordered the undercut, which was cooked to perfection.
   • The undercut is known for its tenderness and flavor.

   Synonymesfiletfillettenderloin

3. Notch in a tree trunkB2formaltechnical

   A notch cut into the trunk of a tree to control the direction of its fall when it is cut down.

   Entaille d'abattage

   • The lumberjack made an undercut on the tree to ensure it fell away from the cabin.
   • A proper undercut is essential for safe tree felling.
   • He checked the undercut before making the final cut.

   Synonymescut

4. Sports stroke with backspinB2informalsport

   A stroke in sports, such as tennis or table tennis, that puts reverse spin on the ball.

   Coup avec effet rétro

   • He used an undercut to make the ball bounce low.
   • The player's undercut caught the opponent off guard.
   • She practiced her undercut to improve her game.

   Synonymeschopcutslice

5. C1formaltechnical

   A cut made underneath a surface or object to remove material or create a specific shape.

   contre-dépouille

   • The undercut was necessary to fit the piece into the assembly.
   • He made an undercut to create a groove in the wood.
   • The design required a precise undercut for the joint.

   Synonymesgrooveindentationnotchrecess

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner le fait de proposer des biens ou services à un prix inférieur à celui d'un concurrent, ou pour affaiblir ou saper quelque chose.

A verb used to indicate the act of offering goods or services at a lower price than a competitor, or to weaken or undermine something.

verbe irrégulier

1. Sell at a lower priceB2formal

   To offer goods or services at a lower price than a competitor, often to gain an advantage.

   Vendre moins cher que

   • The new store undercut all its rivals by offering huge discounts.
   • They tried to undercut our prices to win the contract.
   • Small businesses often struggle when large chains undercut them.

   Synonymesunderbidunderpriceundersell

   Antonymesovercharge

2. Cut away from underneathC1formal

   To remove material from the underside of an object, creating an overhanging part.

   Dégager par le dessous

   • The sculptor undercut the stone to create a dramatic shadow.
   • To make the cliff more stable, they undercut the loose rock.
   • The carpenter undercut the edge of the shelf for a better fit.

   Synonymesexcavategougehollow outscoop outundermine

3. Cut the lower partC1formal

   To cut away the underside of something, such as a tree or a structure.

   Sous-caver

   • The lumberjack undercut the tree on the side where it would fall.
   • They undercut the bank to prevent erosion.
   • The miner undercut the coal seam to extract it more easily.

   Synonymesexcavatehollow outscoop outundermine

4. Strike a ball with backspinC1formal

   In sports like golf, tennis, or hockey, to hit the ball with a downward motion to give it backspin or lift.

   Frapper une balle avec un effet rétro

   • The golfer undercut the ball to clear the bunker.
   • He undercut the tennis ball to produce a drop shot.
   • The hockey player undercut the puck to lift it over the defender's stick.

5. Cut a tree obliquelyC1formal

   To make an angled cut into a tree below the main cut, directing the fall.

   entailler obliquement un arbre

   • The logger undercut the tree to ensure it fell in the right direction.
   • They undercut the trunk before making the final cut.
   • Properly undercutting a tree prevents accidents during felling.