definitions

subphylum

[ suhb-fahy-luh m ]
/ sʌbˈfaɪ ləm /

noun, plural sub·phy·la [suhb-fahy-luh] /sʌbˈfaɪ lə/. Biology.

a category of related classes within a phylum.

Nearby words

suboxide, subpapular, subpar, subperiosteal amputation, subperitoneal fascia, subphylum, subpixel, subpleural, subplot, subpoena, subpoena duces tecum

Origin of subphylum

From New Latin, dating back to 1930–35; see origin at sub-, phylum

Related forms

sub·phy·lar, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for subphylum

subphylum

/ (sʌbˈfaɪləm) /

noun plural -la (-lə)

biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a phylum

Derived Forms

subphylar, 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

Medicine definitions for subphylum

subphylum

[ sŭb′fī′ləm ]

n. pl. sub•phy•la (-lə)

A taxonomic category ranking between a phylum and a class.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for subphylum

subphylum

[ sŭb′fī′ləm ]

Plural subphyla

A subdivision of a phylum of organisms. A subphylum contains one or more classes.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.