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.

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, 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 …

Mar 26, 2025 · A rip current is a strong, narrow channel of water that flows away from the shore, whereas an undertow refers to the water movement beneath waves that can pull swimmers …

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

Undertow is the current flowing offshore near the seabed in the surf zone, mainly driven by wave set-up at the shoreline, and compensating for onshore mass transport by wave crests and …

Jan 29, 2025 · An undertow is a subsurface current that moves offshore when waves break near the shore. As waves crash onto the beach, water is pushed up the shore, and gravity then …

Jul 3, 2025 · What is an undertow? In addition to rip tides and rip currents, beachgoers must also beware of undertows. An undertow is a current that flows into the depths of the water. It forms …

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).