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definitions

submarginal

[suhb-mahr-juh-nl]
adjective
  1. Biology. near the margin.
  2. below the margin.
  3. not worth cultivating, as land; less than satisfactory; unproductive.

Origin of submarginal

First recorded in 1820–30; sub- + marginal
Related formssub·mar·gin·al·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for submarginal

Historical Examples of submarginal

  • The submarginal and subapical spots are silvered, especially the latter.

    The Butterfly Book

    William Jacob Holland

  • Of these, the spots of the median and submarginal bands are most conspicuous.

    The Butterfly Book

    William Jacob Holland

  • The submarginal band is buff, narrow, and dusted with more or less ferruginous.

    The Butterfly Book

    William Jacob Holland

  • In some specimens a few silver scales are found on the submarginal spots.

    The Butterfly Book

    William Jacob Holland

  • The submarginal band is pale yellow, narrow, but distinct and always present.

    The Butterfly Book

    William Jacob Holland

British Dictionary definitions for submarginal

submarginal

adjective
  1. below the minimum requirements
  2. situated close to the margin of an organ or part
  3. (of land) infertile and unprofitable for cultivation
Derived Formssubmarginally, adverb
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