The word "subterranean" is spelled səbtəˈreɪniən. The first syllable "sub" is pronounced with a short "u" sound, followed by "te" with a schwa (ə) sound. "RR" is pronounced as "r" with a slight emphasis, and "ea" is pronounced as a long "a" sound. The second syllable "nean" is pronounced as "niən" with a schwa sound before the final "n". This word is used to describe something that is under the earth or below ground level, such as subterranean tunnels or caves.
Subterranean is an adjective used to describe something that is located, occurring, or situated below the surface of the Earth. It refers to things that are underground, beneath the ground, or existing in the depths. The term is derived from the Latin words "sub," which means under or below, and "terra," which means earth or ground.
The term subterranean can be applied to various things or locations. For example, it is commonly used to describe underground caves, tunnels, or passages. These could be natural formations or man-made structures like subway tunnels or underground bunkers. Additionally, subterranean can refer to plant or animal life that exists underground, such as roots, burrows, or habitats.
Furthermore, subterranean is often used to describe hidden or secretive actions, operations, or elements that are concealed or operating beneath the surface. This could include subterranean movements, organizations, or societies that are not widely known or visible to the public eye.
In summary, the term subterranean pertains to anything below ground level or existing in the depths of the Earth. It encompasses physical structures, natural formations, plant and animal life, as well as hidden or secretive actions or operations occurring beneath the surface.
Lying under the surface of the earth; embedded at some depth in the earth; concealed beneath the surface of the earth; underground.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word subterranean originated from Latin. It is derived from the combination of the prefix sub- meaning below or under, and the Latin word terra meaning earth or land. So subterranean literally means under the earth or beneath the ground.