Pronunciation: [ˌʌndəlˈɪp] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word is "underlip." The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription of this word is /ˈʌndərlɪp/. The first syllable is pronounced as "un-" with a short "u" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "-der" with a soft "d" and a short "u" sound. The last syllable is pronounced as "-lip" with a short "i" sound. The word refers to the lower lip located beneath the upper lip.
The term "underlip" refers to the lowermost part of the human lip or the comparable anatomical structure found in many other mammals. It is situated below the upper lip and is considered an integral component of the overall facial structure. The underlip is distinctively separate from the upper lip and is often slightly thicker or more pronounced. Within the human mouth, the underlip acts as a protective barrier alongside the upper lip, preventing foreign objects or substances from entering the oral cavity accidentally. It plays an essential role in the articulation of speech sounds, working in conjunction with the upper lip to enunciate various phonetic elements. Moreover, the underlip is actively involved in various facial expressions, contributing to non-verbal communication such as expressing emotions like pouting, displeasure, or determination. It is richly supplied with blood vessels and nerve endings, ensuring sensitivity and facilitating sensory perception in this region. In some cultural practices or rituals, the underlip may be pierced or adorned with jewellery, making it a focal point for aesthetic enhancement. Overall, the underlip serves multiple functions related to speech, protection, expression, and aesthetics, contributing to the uniqueness and complexity of the human face.
The word "underlip" is derived from the combination of two words: "under" and "lip".
The word "under" originated from the Old English word "under", which has similar spelling and meaning in Middle English and Old High German. It is related to the Proto-Germanic word "undar" and ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ndher", meaning "below" or "beneath".
The word "lip" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled "lippa" and referred to the fleshy part that forms the edge of the mouth. It is believed to have evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "*libjǭ" or "*leupǭ".
Therefore, the combination of "under" and "lip" creates the word "underlip", which refers to the lower part of the lip that rests beneath the upper lip.
