subterranean

[ suhb-tuh-rey-nee-uhn ]

adjective

1. existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth; underground.
2. existing or operating out of sight or secretly; hidden or secret.

noun

1. a person or thing that is subterranean.
2. a subterrane.

subterranean

/ ˌsʌbtəˈreɪnɪən /

adjective

1. Alsosubterraneoussubterrestrial situated, living, or operating below the surface of the earth
2. existing or operating in concealment

Derived Forms

• ˌsubterˈraneanly, adverb

Other Words From

• subter·rane·an·ly subter·rane·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of subterranean¹

1595–1605; < Latin subterrāne ( us ) ( subterrane ) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of subterranean¹

C17: from Latin subterrāneus, from sub- + terra earth

Example Sentences

There would be subterranean and above-ground parking, and at least 20% of the units are expected to be designated as affordable with subsidized rents.

From Los Angeles Times

That can cause the dynamic subterranean forces below volcanoes to produce increased quantities of magma, leading to more frequent eruptions.

From Salon

Scientists have advocated for a Europa mission for decades, ever since NASA’s Galileo probe found that the moon likely has a subterranean global ocean, heated by Jupiter’s gravitational forces compressing and stretching the moon’s core as it orbits the gas giant at break-neck speed.

From Los Angeles Times

While orbiting Jupiter, Clipper will fly by Europa dozens of times and use its array of scientific instruments to study the dynamics of the moon’s subterranean ocean and look for organic compounds, a potential indicator of life.

From Los Angeles Times

By the early 2010s, this long subterranean decline finally became impossible to ignore as drought dried up wells, land sank and canals collapsed.

From Los Angeles Times