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

Example Sentences

The results, published in Cell Reports Medicine on Feb. 23, suggested that this "gene signature" could be used to identify a subclass of lung tumors that is more likely to be eradicated by immunotherapies.

From Science Daily

The transcriptomic information included in the atlas is hierarchically organized, detailing cell classes, subclasses, and thousands of individual cell clusters within the brain.

From Science Daily

The lawsuit covers U.S. purchasers of HP all-in-one printers, and California and Minnesota subclasses.

From Reuters

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

Now it’s time to shake things up again with the launch of Destiny 2: Lightfall on February 28th, with its new cyberpunk world, new Strand subclasses, and much more.

From The Verge

Related Words

• line
• place
• position