subterranity en · NOUN
Etymology
Apparently from subterrany + -ity. Compare subterraneity.
Meanings
-
(obsolete) An underground place
[…] as we may conceive in ſtones and gems, as Diamonds, Beryls, Saphires and the like, whoſe generation we cannot with ſatisfaction confine unto the remote activity of the Sun, or the common operation of coldneſſe in the earth, but may more ſafely referre it unto a lapidificall ſuccity, and congelitive principle which determines prepared materials unto ſpecificall concretions. And therefore I feare we commonly conſider ſubterranities not in contemplations ſufficiently reſpective unto the creation.
1646, Thomas Browne, “Of Crystall”, in Pseudodoxia Epidemica: […], London: […] T[homas] H[arper] for Edward Dod, […], →OCLC, 2nd book, pages 54–55:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| subterranities | Number=Plur | lexicographic |