subclass

American  

[suhb-klas, -klahs] / ˈsʌbˌklæs, -ˌklɑs /

noun

1. a primary division of a class.

2. a subordinate class, especially one of persons who lack the rights and privileges of the primary class.

   a subclass of migrant workers.

3. Biology. a category of related orders within a class.

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verb (used with object)

1. to place in a subclass.

subclass British  

/ ˈsʌbˌklɑːs /

noun

1. a principal subdivision of a class

2. biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a class

3. maths another name for subset

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verb

1. (tr) to assign to a subclass

subclass Scientific  

/ sŭb′klăs′ /

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

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Etymology

Origin of subclass

First recorded in 1810–20; sub- + class

Example Sentences

“Call you outcast, low down, you can’t make it, you’re nothing, you’re from nobody, subclass, underclass; when you see Jesse Jackson, when my name goes in nomination, your name goes in nomination.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

The results, published in Cell Reports Medicine on Feb. 23, suggested that this "gene signature" could be used to identify a subclass of lung tumors that is more likely to be eradicated by immunotherapies.

From Science Daily • Feb. 23, 2024

Anthocyanins are a subclass of the polyphenols that give the apple peel much of its red color.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2023

Obviously, then, we will find ourselves not in a “typical” lifeless universe, but in a “special” member of the multiverse—one belonging to that subclass of universes that allow life to emerge and evolve.

From Scientific American • Apr. 19, 2023

Charles had two books on barnacles coming out: A Monograph on the subclass Cirripedia and A Monograph on the fossil Lepadidae.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

Related Words

• line
• place
• position