subterranean meaning

UK US /səbtɚˈeɪniən/ 5 syllables

subterranean (adjective): being or operating under the surface of the earth.

subterranean has 2 meanings in this dictionary.

subterranean as an adjective

  1. being or operating under the surface of the earth
    • subterranean passages
    • a subsurface flow of water

    Synonyms: subterraneous

    Similar: subsurface

  2. lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed)
    • subterranean motives for murder
    • looked too closely for an ulterior purpose in all knowledge

    Synonyms: subterraneous, ulterior

    Similar: covert

How to pronounce subterranean

subterranean is pronounced /səbtɚˈeɪniən/ in American English. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.

Scrabble score: 14 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with SU · words ending in AN · 12-letter words

More about subterranean on Wikipedia.