subphylum

American  

[suhb-fahy-luhm] / sʌbˈfaɪ ləm /

noun

Biology.

• subphyla
  plural

1. a category of related classes within a phylum.

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subphylum British  

/ sʌbˈfaɪləm /

noun

1. biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a phylum

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subphylum Scientific  

/ sŭb′fī′ləm /

• subphyla
  plural

1. A subdivision of a phylum of organisms. A subphylum contains one or more classes.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• subphylar
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• subphyla
  plural

Etymology

Origin of subphylum

From New Latin, dating back to 1930–35; see origin at sub-, phylum

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subphylum subphyla

Extinct members of this subphylum include Pikaia, which is the oldest known cephalochordate.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

Members of this subphylum have an open circulatory system with a heart that pumps blood into the hemocoel.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

This subphylum is predominantly terrestrial, although some marine species also exist.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

The notochord extends into the head, which gives the subphylum its name.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

He had begun his career as a night fighter and still practiced the skills of that subphylum of aviator.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

The need for two subphyla is also supported by another major molecular marker.

From Nature ● Feb. 19, 2019