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
subterraneanly
or less commonlysubterraneously
adverbPeople Are Reading
Examples of subterranean in a Sentence
a subterranean bunker that supposedly could withstand even an atomic blast
Recent Examples of subterranean from the Web
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At the same time, Mr. Corbyn, the beneficiary of subterranean expectations, appears to have been given a lift by simply not messing up badly.
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Re-installing the same type of system in New York City now – with all the city's subterranean congestion –
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subterranean'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
A tunnel is a subterranean road or pathway, and a subway is a subterranean railway. The subterranean vaults at Fort Knox hold billions of dollars of gold reserves. Subterranean reservoirs called aquifers are tapped for water; in places where the pressure on the subterranean water is great enough, a hole drilled in the ground will bring it bubbling to the surface.
Origin and Etymology of subterranean
Latin subterraneus, from sub- + terra earth — more at thirst
Other Geology Terms
anthracite, boulder, cwm, erratic, igneous, intrusive, mesa, sedimentary, silt, swale
SUBTERRANEAN Defined for English Language Learners
subterranean
playDefinition of subterranean for English Language Learners
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: located or living under the surface of the ground
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: existing or working in secret
SUBTERRANEAN Defined for Kids
subterranean
playDefinition of subterranean for Students
: being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth a subterranean lake
Learn More about subterranean
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See words that rhyme with subterranean Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for subterranean Spanish Central: Translation of subterranean Nglish: Translation of subterranean for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of subterranean for Arabic speakers
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