subfamily

[ suhb-fam-uh-lee, -fam-lee, suhb-fam-uh-lee, -fam-lee ]

noun

, plural sub·fam·i·lies.

1. Biology. a category of related genera within a family.
2. Linguistics. (in the classification of related languages within a family) a category of a higher order than a branch. Compare branch ( def 8 ), family ( def 16 ).

subfamily

/ ˈsʌbˌfæmɪlɪ /

noun

1. biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a family
2. any analogous subdivision, as of a family of languages

subfamily

/ sŭb′făm′ə-lē /

1. A subdivision of a family of organisms, containing one or more genera. The names of subfamilies in the animal kingdom typically end in –inae, as in Cerambycinae, a subfamily of the longhorn beetle family Cerambycidae.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subfamily¹

First recorded in 1825–35; sub- + family

Example Sentences

Apparently it is more closely related to the subfamily Perognathinae.

From Project Gutenberg

The grouse is a northern bird, extending into far colder regions than any other subfamily of the gallinaceous group.

From Project Gutenberg

The third genus of the subfamily (Stephanella) is only known from Japan.

From Project Gutenberg

Chickadees (subfamily Parinæ) have a short, stout bill, the nostrils covered with bristles; the tail is rather long and rounded.

From Project Gutenberg

Toes usually four, three front ones webbed; upper mandible curved and hooked; tail usually square (Gulls, subfamily Larinæ).

From Project Gutenberg