underlying
verb
Definitions
To lie in a position directly beneath.
To lie under or beneath.
Example: A stratum of clay underlies the surface gravel.
To serve as a basis of; form the foundation of.
Example: a doctrine underlying a theory
To be subject to; be liable to answer, as a charge or challenge.
noun
Definitions
The entity from whose performance a derivative derives its value.
adjective
Definitions
Lying underneath
Example: We dug down to the underlying rock.
Basic or fundamental
Example: Points and straight lines are underlying elements of geometry.
Implicit
Example: Many nursery rhymes have an underlying meaning.