suborder

[ suhb-awr-der ]

noun

, Biology.

1. a category of related families within an order.

suborder

/ ˈsʌbˌɔːdə /

noun

1. biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of an order

suborder

/ sŭb′ôr′dər /

1. A taxonomic category of related organisms ranking below an order and containing one or more families.

Derived Forms

• subˈordinal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suborder¹

First recorded in 1820–30; sub- + order

Example Sentences

If you like mammal species from the suborder Vermilingua (meaning "worm tongue")...

From The Daily Beast

The wings are ample and are somewhat folded or plaited, from which character the suborder takes its name.

From Project Gutenberg

Closely allied to the latter suborder is the suborder Plecoptera, which includes the single family Perlid or Stone-flies.

From Project Gutenberg

Rostrif′era, a suborder of gasteropods, with contractile rostrum or snout.

From Project Gutenberg

Crabs of this suborder inhabit all seas of the globe, and are found from the shore to great depths.

From Project Gutenberg

The group of rays and Hasse's order of Cyclospondyli we may consider each as a suborder of Tectospondyli.

From Project Gutenberg