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

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

Something is genuinely off about the goings-on at the conference, from strange deaths and elevators that suddenly aren’t elevators, to a rash of scabby infections afflicting guests and the discovery of a subterranean tunnel.

From Los Angeles Times

Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces, said the target was the main Hezbollah headquarters, which he described as a subterranean complex situated underneath residential buildings.

From Los Angeles Times