subphylum

American  

[suhb-fahy-luhm] / sʌbˈfaɪ ləm /

noun

Biology.

plural

subphyla

1. a category of related classes within a phylum.

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subphylum British  

/ sʌbˈfaɪləm /

noun

1. biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a phylum

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subphylum Scientific  

/ sŭb′fī′ləm /

plural

subphyla

1. A subdivision of a phylum of organisms. A subphylum contains one or more classes.

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Other Word Forms

• subphylar adjective

Etymology

Origin of subphylum

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

Example Sentences

The notochord extends into the head, which gives the subphylum its name.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

An estimated 77,000 species are included in subphylum Chelicerata.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Members of this subphylum have an open circulatory system with a heart that pumps blood into the hemocoel.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

This subphylum includes animals such as spiders, scorpions, horseshoe crabs, and sea spiders.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

He had begun his career as a night fighter and still practiced the skills of that subphylum of aviator.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy