subterranean
Americanadjective
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existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth; underground.
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existing or operating out of sight or secretly; hidden or secret.
noun
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a person or thing that is subterranean.
-
a subterrane.
adjective
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Also: subterraneous. subterrestrial. situated, living, or operating below the surface of the earth
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existing or operating in concealment
Other Word Forms
- subterraneanly adverb
- subterraneously adverb
Etymology
Origin of subterranean
1595–1605; < Latin subterrāne ( us ) ( subterrane ) + -an
Explanation
Subterranean is an adjective that describes something just below what can be seen, like the subterranean jealousy you hide under a smile and kind words for the actor who got the part you wanted. Subterranean feelings and intentions are those you keep "on the down low." In fact, real things that are subterranean really are down low — underground, in fact. A subterranean worm lives under the earth's surface. A subterranean lair is a secret hideout dug under the dirt — or maybe it's just your basement. The word comes from the Latin subterraneus, from sub meaning "under" and terra meaning "earth."
Vocabulary lists containing subterranean
Latin Root "sub" Words
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Power Prefix: sub-
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Halting the pressurized flow in mature reservoirs disrupts a delicate subterranean system, allowing water to flood the wellbore and heavy sediments to clog rock pores.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
Operating theatres, intensive care units and even maternity wards have been relocated to protected subterranean spaces.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
But you sense subterranean levels of weirdness that hint that he’s already got ideas for a sequel.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026
These subterranean bins are clean, smartly presented, and a better use of public space, says Mr Boys Smith.
From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025
They covered the table, standing in orderly rows of four and marching away into the subterranean dimness.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
