An "undertow" is a steady, offshore-directed compensation flow, which occurs below waves near the shore. Physically, nearshore, the wave-induced mass flux between wave crest and trough …

The meaning of UNDERTOW is the current beneath the surface that sets seaward or along the beach when waves are breaking upon the shore. How to use undertow in a sentence.

Undertow, a strong seaward bottom current returning the water of broken waves back out to sea. There is in fact no such current in a gross sense, for the overall flow of surface water toward …

Beachgoers feel like they are being sucked underwater when the wave breaks over their head - this is an undertow. Bathers will tumble around roughly, but this return flow only goes a short …

UNDERTOW definition: 1. a strong current flowing underwater in a different direction to the way the water on the surface…. Learn more.

Definition of undertow noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

UNDERTOW definition: the seaward, subsurface flow or draft of water from waves breaking on a beach. See examples of undertow used in a sentence.

An undertow is a strong current of water that is moving below the surface current and in a different direction to it. Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins …

Jun 17, 2025 · An undertow is more accurately described as the return flow of water after waves break on the shore, a shallow and relatively weak current that moves seaward near the bottom.

A tendency, especially in thought or feeling, contrary to what seems the strongest: "As she talks nostalgically of her days of glory ... a poignant undertow emerges" (Tina Brown).