belowground

American  

[bih-loh-ground] / bɪˈloʊˌgraʊnd /

adjective

1. situated beneath the surface of the earth; subterranean.

2. no longer living; buried, as in a cemetery (usually used predicatively).

   All those who might have known about the incident are now belowground.

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Etymology

Origin of belowground

First recorded in 1955–60; below + ground ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

belowground

"While belowground processes are very important for ecosystem function, they are poorly understood compared to above-ground processes because they are more difficult to study," said Wong.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 6, 2024

Many of these fungi live belowground, but researchers have traditionally paid little mind to them.

From Science Magazine ● May 9, 2022

One of the problems is that it's easier to estimate how much carbon is stored aboveground, in towering trees, than belowground, where plants store carbon in their roots.

From Salon ● Apr. 4, 2022

The pipe was burning off unwanted gases, largely methane, that had risen from belowground with the oil.

From Scientific American ● Sep. 3, 2021

“Four...Four years? It’s a wonder you lasted this long! Do it now. Tonight! You’re not coming belowground again without your powers. You’re a danger to yourself and your fellow officers!”

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer