2. (Arch.) (a) That by which a building is underpinned; the material and construction used for support, introduced beneath a wall already constructed. (b) The foundation, esp. of a frame house. [Local, U. S.] [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
underpinning — UK US /ˈʌndəˌpɪnɪŋ/ noun [C or U] ► something that provides support for something, or that is the starting point from which something can develop: »A strong opening on Wall Street provided a firm underpinning for the FTSE 100 … Financial and business terms
underpinning — index foundation (basis) Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
underpinning — (n.) late 15c., action of supporting or strengthening from beneath, from UNDER (Cf. under) + prp. of PIN (Cf. pin) (v.). Figurative sense of prop, support is recorded from 1580s … Etymology dictionary
underpinning — [un′dər pin΄iŋ] n. 1. a supporting structure or foundation, esp. one placed beneath a wall 2. a support or prop ☆ 3. [pl.] Informal the legs … English World dictionary
Underpinning — In construction, underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilizing the foundation of an existing building or other structure. Underpinning may be necessary for a variety of reasons: The original foundation is simply not strong or… … Wikipedia
underpinning — UK [ˈʌndə(r)ˌpɪnɪŋ] / US [ˈʌndərˌpɪnɪŋ] noun [countable/uncountable] Word forms underpinning : singular underpinning plural underpinnings 1) an important basic part of something that allows it to succeed or continue to exist 2) a strong piece of… … English dictionary
Underpinning — Underpin Un der*pin , v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Underpinned}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Underpinning}.] 1. To lay stones, masonry, etc., under, as the sills of a building, on which it is to rest. [1913 Webster] 2. To support by some solid foundation; to place… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
underpinning — noun A support or foundation, especially as a structure of masonry that supports a wall or a metaphorical basis for something. This houses underpinning is not up to standard … Wiktionary
underpinning — ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun Etymology: under (III) + pinning 1. a. : the material and construction used for support and introduced beneath a wall already constructed b. : the foundation of a frame house … Useful english dictionary
underpinning — noun Date: 15th century 1. the material and construction (as a foundation) used for support of a structure 2. something that serves as a foundation ; basis, support often used in plural < the philosophical underpinnings of educational methods > 3 … New Collegiate Dictionary
