aboveground

American  

[uh-buhv-ground] / əˈbʌvˌgraʊnd /

adjective

1. situated on or above the ground.

2. not secret or hidden; in the open.

   the aboveground activities of the country's left-wing faction.

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Etymology

Origin of aboveground

First recorded in 1875–80; above + ground ¹

Example Sentences

In a recent study, the scientists found that the shape of these proteins and how strongly they attach to pollutants determine how much contamination ends up in the aboveground parts of the plant.

From Science Daily • Oct. 30, 2025

Analysts say prices are climbing high enough that silver owners large and small might sell from their vaults or their grandfathers’ coin collections—both sources of aboveground inventory—which could put pressure on prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025

According to sources familiar with it, Iran's centrifuges remain largely "intact" with the destruction limited to aboveground buildings.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2025

For all its plant and animal life aboveground, the Amazon rainforest’s soils are surprisingly poor in nutrients necessary for growing food.

From Salon • Mar. 7, 2025

Even though it was a bright sunny afternoon aboveground, the deep well that now cradled Gulliver was a dark, dark place.

From "Hello, Universe" by Erin Entrada Kelly