submarginal

[ suhb-mahr-juh-nl ]

adjective

1. Biology. near the margin.
2. below the margin.
3. not worth cultivating, as land; less than satisfactory; unproductive.

submarginal

/ sʌbˈmɑːdʒɪnəl /

adjective

1. below the minimum requirements
2. situated close to the margin of an organ or part
3. (of land) infertile and unprofitable for cultivation

Derived Forms

• subˈmarginally, adverb

Other Words From

• sub·margin·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of submarginal¹

First recorded in 1820–30; sub- + marginal

Example Sentences

Except that the yellowish submarginal line is sometimes obscured, the species is very constant in the British Isles.

From Project Gutenberg

The W-like angles of the white submarginal line run through to the fringes.

From Project Gutenberg

A series of yellow dots on the submarginal line is almost always present, but may be absent.

From Project Gutenberg

In some specimens the markings are very faint, and, excepting the whitish submarginal line, are hardly visible.

From Project Gutenberg

The submarginal and subapical spots are silvered, especially the latter.

From Project Gutenberg