undercoat

Everyday

1. An undercoat is a first layer of paint put on before the top layer, to help the top coat stick and look smooth. tree →
2. An undercoat is the soft, thick layer of fur close to an animal's skin, under the longer outer hairs. tree →
3. (verb, rare) To undercoat something is to give it a first layer of paint. tree →

In the lessons

Used in DIY and art («put on an undercoat, then the topcoat»), and in pet care and science about animals keeping warm (dogs, cats, sheep, arctic animals).

Examples

• Dad painted an undercoat on the fence before the green paint. tree →
• The white undercoat helps the bright colour show up. tree →
• Leave the undercoat to dry overnight. tree →
• Huskies have a thick undercoat that keeps them warm in the snow. tree →
• Our dog sheds its undercoat in spring. tree →
• Brush the cat often to remove the loose undercoat. tree →
• Arctic foxes grow a dense undercoat in winter. tree →

Note

Countable noun. Not to be confused with «overcoat», which is a long warm coat people wear. In painting, the undercoat is also called a primer or base coat; the last one is the topcoat.