subclass

American  

[suhb-klas, -klahs] / ˈsʌbˌklæs, -ˌklɑs /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to place in a subclass.

subclass British  

/ ˈsʌbˌklɑːs /

noun

1. a principal subdivision of a class

2. biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a class

3. maths another name for subset

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verb

1. (tr) to assign to a subclass

subclass Scientific  

/ sŭb′klăs′ /

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

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Etymology

Origin of subclass

First recorded in 1810–20; sub- + class

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subclass

"This is the first time we have gathered enough systems to truly understand this subclass that we call extreme debris disks," said Su, lead author of the paper.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 7, 2026

Justice Sonia Sotomayor further questioned during that oral argument what percentage of the population a subclass accounts for would make it meaningful.

From Salon ● Jun. 18, 2026

“Call you outcast, low down, you can’t make it, you’re nothing, you’re from nobody, subclass, underclass; when you see Jesse Jackson, when my name goes in nomination, your name goes in nomination.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 17, 2026

Obviously, then, we will find ourselves not in a “typical” lifeless universe, but in a “special” member of the multiverse—one belonging to that subclass of universes that allow life to emerge and evolve.

From Scientific American ● Apr. 19, 2023

The members of this subclass comprise a number of well-marked groups.

From Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects by C. V. Riley

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