subspecific

American  

[suhb-spuh-sif-ik] / ˌsʌb spəˈsɪf ɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a subspecies.

2. less than specific.

---

Other Word Forms

• subspecifically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of subspecific

First recorded in 1865–70; sub- + specific

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subspecific

Unfortunately, I lack enough specimens to make a subspecific identification.

From Birds from North Borneo University of Kansas Publications, Museum of Natural History, Volume 17, No. 8, pp. 377-433, October 27, 1966 by Max C. Thompson

Taken together, the above evidence indicates subspecific status for the northern, Mexican, animal and we conclude that it should stand as Cyclopes tridactylus mexicanus Hollister.

From The Subspecific Status of Two Central American Sloths by E. Raymond (Eugene Raymond) Hall

Although each of the previous writers had but a small amount of material upon which to base his opinion, the diversity of opinion as to subspecific status bespeaks the instability of these animals.

From The Pocket Gophers (Genus Thomomys) of Utah, Vol. 1 No. 1 Kansas University Publications. by Stephen D. Durrant

The subspecific identity of the animals from east-central Colorado thus is left in doubt.

From A New Pocket Gopher (Genus Thomomys), from Eastern Colorado by E. Raymond (Eugene Raymond) Hall

In Microtus montanus in the eastern Rocky Mountains the degree of subspecific distinction is not great.

From Subspeciation in the Meadow Mouse, Microtus montanus, in Wyoming and Colorado by Sydney Anderson