Definitions
1.verbTo lie in a position directly beneath.
2.verbTo lie under or beneath."A stratum of clay underlies the surface gravel."
3.verbTo serve as a basis of; form the foundation of."a doctrine underlying a theory"
4.verbTo be subject to; be liable to answer, as a charge or challenge.
5.verbTo underlay.
6.nounThe entity from whose performance a derivative derives its value.
7.adjectiveLying underneath"We dug down to the underlying rock."
8.adjectiveBasic or fundamental"Points and straight lines are underlying elements of geometry."
9.adjectiveImplicit"Many nursery rhymes have an underlying meaning."