subclass

[ suhb-klas, -klahs ]

noun

1. a primary division of a class.
2. a subordinate class, especially one of persons who lack the rights and privileges of the primary class:

   a subclass of migrant workers.

3. Biology. a category of related orders within a class.

verb (used with object)

1. to place in a subclass.

subclass

/ ˈsʌbˌklɑːs /

noun

1. a principal subdivision of a class
2. biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a class
3. See subset
   maths another name for subset

verb

1. tr to assign to a subclass

subclass

/ sŭb′klăs′ /

1. A taxonomic category of related organisms ranking below a class and containing one or more orders.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subclass¹

First recorded in 1810–20; sub- + class

Example Sentences

Usually, the subclasses in D&D are restricted to a specific class, such as the Assassin for the Rogue.

From TechCrunch

The Iulid are cylindrical insects and occur in moist places, as do most of the representatives of this subclass.

From Project Gutenberg

This limitation of parts places them in a higher rank than the corals of the first subclass.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet arbitrary preference for classification in the headstock subclass may bep.

From Project Gutenberg

All subclasses indented under another subclass are species to the genus represented by the subclass under which they are indented.

From Project Gutenberg

Exhaustive division may be secured by maintaining always a residual or miscellaneous subclass.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• line
• place
• position