subgroup

[ suhb-groop ]

noun

1. a subordinate group; a division of a group.
2. Chemistry. a division of a group in the periodic table.
3. Mathematics. a subset of a group that is closed under the group operation and in which every element has an inverse in the subset.

subgroup

/ ˈsʌbˌɡruːp /

noun

1. a distinct and often subordinate division of a group
2. a mathematical group whose members are members of another group, both groups being subject to the same rule of combination

Word History and Origins

Origin of subgroup¹

First recorded in 1835–45; sub- + group

Example Sentences

But a northern population of beaked hazelnuts revealed something surprising: five distinct genetic subgroups, four of which could be traced to far-flung locations across British Columbia, some 800 kilometers away.

From Science Magazine

There are also other subgroups when you practice Ifá that assist us.

From Los Angeles Times

“That’s a disappointing answer, but I remain skeptical of potential large shifts in subgroups in the electorate, especially when the election, up until two months ago, was a rerun of 2020.”

From Salon

The Civilian Oversight Commission is raising concerns about a previously unknown deputy subgroup that oversight officials say uses a logo featuring Nazi-like imagery, according to a memo obtained by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

The state polls are also of limited help with understanding subgroups because of smaller sample sizes.

From Salon