epigean

Etymology

From Greek επίγειος meaning on earth. epi on γειος from γαία earth see geology, geometry etc epigean also epigaean. Epigean paradise - paradise on earth

Adjective

epigean (not comparable)

1. That lives on or near the surface
   • 2015 July 8, “Convergent Reduction of Ovariole Number Associated with Subterranean Life in Beetles”, in PLOS ONE‎, DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0131986:

     For other Leptodirini, the contraction of the life cycle is less radical, being intermediate between this extreme and a epigean life cycle.

Noun

epigean (plural epigeans)

1. Any organism that lives on or near the surface
   • 2015 July 8, “Convergent Reduction of Ovariole Number Associated with Subterranean Life in Beetles”, in PLOS ONE‎, DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0131986:

     We also studied the female internal system for a species in the subgenus Aphaenops (Cerbaphaenops), and two species belonging to two other genera, one endogean (Geotrechus) and one epigean (Trechus).