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.

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Other Word Forms

• subspecifically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of subspecific

First recorded in 1865–70; sub- + specific

Example Sentences

Nevertheless geographic variations of subspecific worth have not taken place.

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

The subspecific status of M. aureolum in the Kansas River Basin is to be the subject of another paper.

From Fishes of the Big Blue River Basin, Kansas by Minckley, W. L.

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 Durrant, Stephen D.

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.

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