subterraneous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite being or operating under the surface of the earth
    subterranean.
    • subterranean passages
    • a subsurface flow of water
  2. adjective satellite lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed (especially being kept in the background or deliberately concealed)
    subterranean; ulterior.
    • subterranean motives for murder
    • looked too closely for an ulterior purpose in all knowledge"- Bertrand Russell

WordNet

Sub`ter*ra"ne*an, Sub`ter*ra"ne*ous adjective (Also<
  • Subterranean
  • Subterraneous
)
Etymology
L. subterraneus; sub under + terra earth. See Terrace.
Definitions
  1. Being or lying under the surface of the earth; situated within the earth, or under ground; as, subterranean springs; a subterraneous passage. -- Sub`ter*ra"ne*ous*ly, adv.

Webster 1913