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

It follows, therefore, that in some cases ornithologists do not agree upon a bird's claim to subspecific rank.

From Color Key to North American Birds with bibiographical appendix by Chapman, Frank M.

In my opinion, the use of subspecific nomenclature is justified in this case, although not completely unambiguous.

From Subspeciation in the Meadow Mouse, Microtus pennsylvanicus, in Wyoming, Colorado, and Adjacent Areas by Anderson, Sydney

In this area of rapid change in size it is difficult to draw subspecific boundaries between pacificus, yaquinae, and bairdi, and this must be done somewhat arbitrarily.

From Speciation of the Wandering Shrew by Findley, James S.

Geographic considerations alone are responsible for our use of the subspecific name mexicanus; we do not know the morphological features which distinguish mexicanus from other named subspecies.

From An Annotated Check List of the Mammals of Michoac?n, M?xico by Bernardo Villa R.

This, however has a wide range and, presenting more or less climatic variation in color, is recognized under several subspecific names.

From Color Key to North American Birds with bibiographical appendix by Chapman, Frank M.