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subterranean Definition

sub·ter·ra·nean (sub′tə rānē ən)

adjective

  1. lying beneath the earth's surface; underground
  2. secret; hidden

Etymology: L subterraneus < sub- (see sub-) + terra, earth: see terrain

noun

one who lives underground

subterranean Related Forms

sub′·ter·ra·nean·ly adverb

subterranean Synonyms

subterranean

modif.

  1. Hidden

    secret, furtive, concealed; see hidden 2.

  2. Below ground

    subsurface, sunk, sunken, subterraneous; see underground.

subterranean Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • depths--like: Listening, he suddenly heard a far, rushing sound from subterranean depths--like a load of coal being put in--then a frightened cry.
  • lair: The Twilight Kingdom attempts the latter approach, with Shindler using the confined environment of Koth's subterranean lair to hide hidden horror within.
  • aquifer: No ancient site is ever found built on such subterranean aquifers.
  • cavern: It includes three stages in which you have to fight your way through the passages of alien subterranean caverns.
  • labyrinth: Born in 1863, it has grown into a vast subterranean labyrinth with even vaster tentacles stretching out over the surface of the Earth.
  • clover: Spring annuals such as the interestingly named subterranean clover are common.

Modifying Another Word

  • partly: A partly subterranean dome about 10 meters in diameter, similar to the hogan of the Navajo, was the uniform shelter.
  • mainly: When extended the body tapers markedly toward the front end consistent with the mainly subterranean habits of these animals.
  • so: There are actually 40 or so subterranean settlements in the area although only a few are open to the public.

Browse dictionary entries near subterranean

  1. subterfuge
  2. subter-
  3. subtend
  4. subtenant
  5. subtemperate
  6. subteen
  7. subtangent
  8. subsystem
  9. subsurface
  10. subsumption
  1. subtext
  2. subtile
  3. subtilize
  4. subtitle
  5. subtle
  6. subtlety
  7. subtonic
  8. subtopic
  9. subtotal
  10. subtract