subvariant

[suhb-vair-ee-uhnt]

noun

1. Microbiology, Pathology.,  a genetically distinct form of a virus, bacteria, or other microorganism, which arises when a variant of the original strain mutates.

2. in a classification or hierarchy, a distinct, often more specialized type of something that is itself one of a subset of a broader or higher category; subtype.

   Each fighter plane in the A-series was eventually issued in the subvariants of fighter-bomber and bomber-destroyer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subvariant¹

First recorded in 1900–05; sub- ( def. ) + variant ( def. )

Example Sentences

“It looks like a bit of a mismatch between the seasonal flu vaccine strains” and the new subvariant, Hudson said.

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The timing of this new flu subvariant — called H3N2 subclade K — is particularly problematic.

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The latest jump is being fueled by the subvariant XFG, nicknamed ‘Stratus.’

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This summer’s jump is being fueled by the subvariant XFG, nicknamed “Stratus.”

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Hudson said the coronavirus subvariant XFG, nicknamed Stratus, accounts for the vast majority of variants seen in wastewater.

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