subclimax

[ suhb-klahy-maks ]

/ sʌbˈklaɪ mæks /

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noun Ecology.

the development of an ecological community to a stage short of the expected climax because of some factor, as repeated fires in a forest, that arrests the normal succession.

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Origin of subclimax

First recorded in 1930–35; sub- + climax

Words nearby subclimax

subclavate, subclavian, subclavian artery, subclavian vein, subclavius, subclimax, subclinical, subcolumnar, subcommission, subcommittee, subcommunity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for subclimax

subclimax

/ (sʌbˈklaɪmæks) /

noun

ecology a community in which development has been arrested before climax has been attained

Derived forms of subclimax

subclimactic (ˌsʌbklaɪˈmæktɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for subclimax

subclimax

[ sŭb-klī′măks′ ]

A stage in the ecological succession of a plant or animal community immediately preceding a climax, often persisting because of the repeated effects of fire, flood, or other conditions. See also climax community succession.