subcaliber

[ suhb-kal-uh-ber ]

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to ammunition of smaller caliber than the gun in which it is used.

Word History and Origins

Origin of subcaliber¹

First recorded in 1860–65; sub- + caliber ( def )

Example Sentences

They have become a subcaliber franchise and their QB follies are laughable.

From Washington Post

Ike wound up his tour in the American zone, saw U.S. tankmen, using subcaliber ammunition, trying to shoot on a miniature range, measured in yards, not miles.

From Time Magazine Archive

But he saw that Sydenham was no target for him, save in a sort of subcaliber practice.

From Project Gutenberg