Dictionary
subterranean
adjective sub·ter·ra·nean \ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən, -nyən\
: located or living under the surface of the ground
: existing or working in secret
Full Definition of SUBTERRANEAN
1
: being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth
2
: existing or working in secret : hidden <a subterranean network of criminals>
— sub·ter·ra·nean·ly also sub·ter·ra·neous·ly adverb
See subterranean defined for English-language learners
See subterranean defined for kids
Variants of SUBTERRANEAN
sub·ter·ra·nean also sub·ter·ra·neous \-nē-əs, -nyəs\
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Origin of SUBTERRANEAN
Latin subterraneus, from sub- + terra earth — more at thirst
First Known Use: 1603
Related to SUBTERRANEAN
- Synonyms
- subsurface, belowground, underground
- Antonyms
- aboveground, surface
Other Geology Terms
Rhymes with SUBTERRANEAN
SUBTERRANEAN Defined for Kids
subterranean
adjective sub·ter·ra·nean \ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən, -nyən\
Definition of SUBTERRANEAN for Kids
: being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth <a subterranean lake>
Learn More About SUBTERRANEAN
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