underlay See underlie [also: underlaid]underlay n : a pad placed under a carpet [syn: carpet pad, rug pad, underlayment]

1 raise or support (the level of printing) by inserting a piece of paper or cardboard under the type; "underlay the plate"

2 put (something) under or beneath; "They underlaid athe shingles with roofing paper"

3 provide with a base, support, lining, or backing; "underlay the boards with joists" [also: underlaid]underlie

1 be or form the base for

2 lie underneath [also: underlying, underlay, underlain]

English

Pronunciation

• /ʌndəɻ'leɪ/
• Rhymes: -eɪ

Verb

underlay

Noun

1. A soft floor covering that lies under a carpet.

Underlay is a thin layer of cushioning, made of materials such as sponge rubber, foam or crumb rubber, which is laid beneath carpeting to provide comfort underfoot, to reduce wear on the carpet, and to provide insulation against sound, moisture and heat.