superclass

American  

[soo-per-klas, -klahs] / ˈsu pərˌklæs, -ˌklɑs /

noun

Biology.

1. a category of related classes classis within a phylum or subphylum.

2. a subphylum.

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superclass British  

/ ˈsuːpəˌklɑːs /

noun

1. a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a subphylum

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superclass Scientific  

/ so̅o̅′pər-klăs′ /

1. A taxonomic category of related organisms ranking below a phylum and containing one or more classes.

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Etymology

Origin of superclass

First recorded in 1890–95; super- + class

Example Sentences

The revenues from new trade policies and foreign investment are flowing to an all too visible superclass of the very rich.

From Time Magazine Archive

But Fujimoto these days is most at home in the glittering towers of Roppongi Hills, the urban development complex that has come to represent Japan's new superclass.

From Time Magazine Archive

There is, to be sure, a so-called superclass of high-living yuppies, as young urban professional Baby Boomers were dubbed by Syndicated Columnist Bob Greene in early 1983.

From Time Magazine Archive