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. Also: subterraneous.  subterrestrial. situated, living, or operating below the surface of the earth

2. existing or operating in concealment

Other Word Forms

• subterraneanly adverb
• subterraneously 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

They are weird, bald, subterranean rodents that look like sausages with teeth, and they have just revealed a genetic secret to long life.

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Despite its subterranean setting, it does not feel claustrophobic.

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The conditions are as unhygienic as can be imagined in a subterranean tunnel with no light, air, running water or sanitation.

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Operating from a Victorian mansion just steps from Hyde Park, the company has recently seen a surge of wealthy customers hoping to stuff gold into the hundreds of safe-deposit boxes in its subterranean, steel-encased vault.

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The terrorists livestreamed their own atrocities and dragged more than 250 hostages back to Gaza’s sprawling subterranean terror dungeons, where dozens remain to this day.

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