adjective
subterranean
suhb-tuh-RAY-nee-uhn
adjective
1
Located below the ground.
"Tourists explored a network of subterranean tunnels beneath the old city."
2
Hidden or operating in secret.
"A subterranean resistance movement had been organizing for months."
How to Use Subterranean
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUnderground, either literally (below the earth) or figuratively (hidden from view).
Common pairings
subterranean tunnel
subterranean river
subterranean world
Word Forms
subterraneans plural
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Tourists explored a network of _____ tunnels beneath the old city.
Etymology
From Latin subterraneus, from sub- ("under") plus terra ("earth").