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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

But things took a turn for the worse after a canoe capsized on a freezing subterranean lake, leaving Draigen stuck, cold and wet so his mum had to leave both boys to seek help.

From BBC

The B-2 has attracted close attention since Israel's strikes on Iran started, because it is the only aircraft capable of effectively carrying out an attack on Iran's subterranean nuclear sites.

From BBC

The president is reportedly considering strikes on the Iranian nuclear site Fordo, a subterranean uranium enrichment facility.

From BBC

Leeds did eventually get subterranean transport - in the form of the inner ring road motorway which dives under the city centre.

From BBC