underpoint

Definitions

1. A downward facing point on the underside.
2. The lowest intensity point of a diminuendo that is followed by an increase in volume and intensity.
3. The number of scored points below a specified criterion.
4. Something that calls attention to or emphasizes a particular conclusion within a topic of discussion.

Examples

“An object appears to present⟳ a difficulty to a flame that cannot surround⟳ it, or approach⟳ the so doing. This a mere upper-surface ignited affords little prospect of doing, an undersurface much more, an under edge still more, and an underpoint (never mind⟳ Euclid's definitions) again still more, being capable of being nearly surrounded by the smallest flame.”

“Every workman who filed the teeth had the model⟳ of a perfect tooth with him and was told to file⟳ the tooth to the shape⟳ of the underpoint of a man's little finger.”

“Then he straightens up his right arm, which he swings quickly as a pivot to speed⟳ a left hand punch which travels from below the outside of his slightly bended left knee to the underpoint of the opponent's chin.”

“In larger dimensions, recurrent formulas, articulation, and phrase structure⟳ become⟳ important, and it may be possible to abstract various general curve types by studying the location of peaks and underpoints.”

“Since his dynamic changes follow⟳ the development of the intensity of the music, they often indicate⟳ the direction of emotional movement to the climax or underpoints.”

“In skillful fugues the heightening tension of contrapuntal development finds confirmation in peaks and underpoints, dissonance quotient, and expansion or compression of tessitura, as well as other less direct⟳ sources of stress⟳ such as the largely intellectual pleasure of increasingly sophisticated and arcane manipulations.”

“If either player overcounts or undercounts his hand (or crib or play⟳), after he has finished pegging the wrong number⟳, not before, the opponent may say⟳, "Muggins," show⟳ him the error, have⟳ him peg correctly, and then add⟳ to his own⟳ score⟳ the number⟳ of overpoints or underpoints.”

“I appreciate the comments by the distinguished Senator from Idaho. Mr. President, just a couple of more underpoints.”

“With your permission, Mr. Chairman, he has brought some of his kids here, and they may sort⟳ of provide⟳ an underpoint, if I could ask⟳ them to stand⟳ up.”

CEFR level