subsurface

[ suhb-sur-fuhs, suhb-sur- ]

/ sʌbˈsɜr fəs, ˈsʌbˌsɜr- /

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adjective

below the surface, especially of a body of water.

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Origin of subsurface

First recorded in 1770–80; sub- + surface

Words nearby subsurface

substructure, subsulfate, subsume, subsumed, subsumption, subsurface, subsystem, subtangent, subteen, subtemperate, subtenant

How to use subsurface in a sentence

The goal of Japan’s Hayabusa2 mission was to collect at least 100 milligrams of both surface and subsurface material, and send it back to Earth.
Hayabusa2’s asteroid dirt may hold clues to the early solar system|Lisa Grossman|December 7, 2020|Science News
Chang’e 5 is expected to begin drilling into the lunar ground for subsurface samples almost immediately.
China’s Chang’e 5 mission has successfully landed on the moon|Neel Patel|December 1, 2020|MIT Technology Review
Over the last few years, scientists have begun testing the effectiveness of these dark fibers as inexpensive, dense seismic arrays — which researchers call DAS — to help monitor earthquakes and create fine-scale images of the subsurface.
This year’s SN 10 scientists aim to solve some of science’s biggest challenges|Science News Staff|September 30, 2020|Science News
Like Europa, Enceladus is an ice-covered moon with a subsurface ocean of liquid water.
The Four Most Promising Worlds for Alien Life in the Solar System|Gareth Dorrian|September 24, 2020|Singularity Hub

“The subsurface structure at Chang’e-4’s landing site is more complex,” Su says.
Rover finds ‘layer cake’ below ground on moon’s farside|Lisa Grossman|March 25, 2020|Science News For Students
There was a vast amount of whisper and low-toned wordiness, subsurface complaint and counter-complaint.
Dominie Dean|Ellis Parker Butler
They are supplied by a large storage battery, which consumes no air and forms the motive power during subsurface navigation.
The Journal of Submarine Commander von Forstner|Georg-Gnther von Forstner
Watching the cellar excavation for unexpected subsurface water is also an item that no experienced architect neglects.
If You're Going to Live in the Country|Thomas H. Ormsbee and Richmond Huntley
A subsurface drain, some fifty feet long and connected with the gutter of an intersecting road, took care of the lawn.
If You're Going to Live in the Country|Thomas H. Ormsbee and Richmond Huntley
The effect in a given region depends to a large degree on local surface and subsurface geologic conditions.
Earthquakes|Kaye M. Shedlock

British Dictionary definitions for subsurface

sub-surface

noun

the layer just below the surface of water, the earth, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012