subset

American  

[suhb-set] / ˈsʌbˌsɛt /

noun

1. a set that is a part of a larger set.

2. Mathematics. a set consisting of elements of a given set that can be the same as the given set or smaller.

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subset British  

/ ˈsʌbˌsɛt /

noun

1. maths

   1. a set the members of which are all members of some given class: A is a subset of B is usually written A⊆B

   2.  A⊂B.  one that is strictly contained within a larger class and excludes some of its members

2. a set within a larger set

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subset Scientific  

/ sŭb′sĕt′ /

1. A set whose members are all contained in another set. The set of positive integers, for example, is a subset of the set of integers.

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Etymology

Origin of subset

First recorded in 1900–05; sub- + set

Example Sentences

A subset of retail investors is expressing faith that mortgage rates will eventually move down.

From MarketWatch

You will pay higher fees for factor ETFs that track subsets of the indexes, but some of these may fit your investment objectives.

From MarketWatch

“Once you’re comfortable you can do business there, there are always a subset of wildcatters that are willing to go in and swing for the fences,” Pickering said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Economists now speak of the US economy as "K-shaped" to reflect the opposite fortunes of these subsets, with new cars out of reach for lower-income shoppers.

From Barron's

The federal mandate applies to only a limited subset of enrollees, and Schmidt didn’t qualify, likely because she didn’t have enough chronic health conditions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• subdivision