subgroup

American  

[suhb-groop] / ˈsʌbˌgrup /

noun

1. a subordinate group; a division of a group.

2. Chemistry. a division of a group in the periodic table.

3. Mathematics. a subset of a group that is closed under the group operation and in which every element has an inverse in the subset.

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subgroup British  

/ ˈsʌbˌɡruːp /

noun

1. a distinct and often subordinate division of a group

2. a mathematical group whose members are members of another group, both groups being subject to the same rule of combination

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Etymology

Origin of subgroup

First recorded in 1835–45; sub- + group

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subgroup

While GPCRs are already important in medicine, this specific subgroup has not been widely studied.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 6, 2026

"There was recognition that there is a very small subgroup of children whose gender incongruence persists long-term and who may require ongoing support and possible medical interventions," the review said.

From BBC ● Feb. 10, 2026

The subgroup of panel members that recommended the change also said it understood that “the safety concern may be more theoretical than real.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 6, 2025

“If I were to pick one subgroup where you would want to have an advantage, it would be that one,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2025

However, Greenberg recognized that all Niger-Congo languages of subequatorial Africa belong to a single language subgroup termed Bantu.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond