underwire
Meaning
a thin, flexible wire sewn into the lower edge of a bra cup to provide support and shape.
a bra or other garment that incorporates such a wire for support.
Structure
Usage
the bra features comfortable underwire for added support.
she prefers wireless bras to those with underwire.
the underwire poked through the fabric and needed to be repaired.
Etymology
The word "underwire" is a transparent compound formed from two Old English elements. The prefix "under" establishes the location of the object, while the noun "wire" specifies its material nature and form. The term emerged in the 20th century within the context of garment design, specifically lingerie, to describe a supportive structural element placed beneath the bust. Its formation follows a straightforward descriptive logic, naming an object by its position ("under") and its composition ("wire"), which together precisely denote its functional role in modern apparel.
Analysis
under: from old english under, meaning "beneath, below, among." it functions as a prefix indicating position or location. wire: from old english wīr, meaning "metal drawn out into a thread." it functions as the core noun denoting the object.