subshell

[ suhb-shel ]

noun

, Physics.

1. a group of electrons in an atom belonging to the same shell and also having the same azimuthal quantum number.

subshell

/ sŭb′shĕl′ /

1. One or more orbitals in the electron shell of an atom with the same energy level. Subshells have different shapes and are distinguished by their magnetic quantum number.
2. See more at orbital

Word History and Origins

Origin of subshell¹

First recorded in 1965–70; sub- + shell