underkanten

Underkanten is a noun used in several Germanic languages to denote the lower edge of an object or surface. The term appears in Dutch as onderkant (plural onderkanten) or underkanten in some contexts, in German as Unterkante, and in Scandinavian languages in forms such as underkant or underkanten. While the exact sense can vary by language and field, underkanten generally refers to the bottom boundary or rim of something, relative to a defined orientation.

Etymology and form reflect a compound of under (below) and kant (edge, rim). The word is a descriptive, non-technical term in everyday use and in many professional contexts, rather than a specialized concept with a fixed definition across disciplines.

Usage and context may include design, architecture, manufacturing, and publishing. In design or carpentry, underkanten describe the bottom edge of components such as panels or boards. In publishing and printing, the term can denote the bottom margin or the lower boundary of a page or image. In technical drawings or CAD, it may be used to indicate trimming lines, alignments, or support edges along the bottom of a feature.

Notes and related terms: Since underkanten is language- and context-dependent, meanings can differ between Dutch, German, and Scandinavian usage. For precise definition in a given document or project, consult the relevant language resources or technical standards.