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

Pelage.—Color in adults is of especial value in subspecific determination; the manner in which it varies geographically is described on pages 609, 630.

From Speciation and Evolution of the Pygmy Mice, Genus Baiomys by Packard, Robert L.

The differential characters of these three named kinds of Spilogale are principally those of size, and we can see no characters judged to be of more than subspecific worth.

From Comments on the Taxonomy and Geographic Distribution of Some North American Marsupials, Insectivores and Carnivores by Hall, E. Raymond (Eugene Raymond)

New name combinations for two kinds of Central American sloths that heretofore have stood in the literature as nominal species are given below, along with the evidence supporting their relegation to subspecific rank.

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

All show in apparently equal degree the long tail and cinnamon tinge of sides and back, these features together constituting the grounds for separate subspecific recognition of a Rocky Mountain form.

From The Subspecies of the Mountain Chickadee by Grinnell, Joseph

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