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

A new coronavirus subvariant is gaining steam and drawing more attention as a potential threat heading into late autumn and winter — a development that threatens to reverse recent promising transmission trends and is prompting doctors to renew their calls for residents to get an updated vaccine.

From Los Angeles Times

Doctors and scientists are keeping an eye on yet another coronavirus subvariant — XEC — that could surpass the latest hyperinfectious strain.

From Los Angeles Times

A subvariant needs to make up an estimated 1% or more of coronavirus cases nationwide to qualify.

From Los Angeles Times

Doctors and scientists are keeping an eye on yet another coronavirus subvariant — XEC — that could surpass the latest hyperinfectious strain.

From Los Angeles Times

That subvariant, which has the deFLuQE mutations, was estimated to make up 42.2% of coronavirus samples nationwide for the two-week period ending Saturday, up from 19.8% a month ago, according to the CDC.

From Los Angeles Times