'aboveground' originates from the combination of 'above' and 'ground', where 'above' meant 'over' and 'ground' referred to the earth's surface.

'Aboveground' evolved from the Old English words 'abufan' (above) and 'grund' (ground), eventually forming the modern English word 'aboveground'.

Initially, it meant 'over the earth's surface', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.