suborder

[ suhb-awr-der ]

noun

, Biology.

1. a category of related families within an order.

suborder

/ ˈsʌbˌɔːdə /

noun

1. biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of an order

suborder

/ sŭb′ôr′dər /

1. A taxonomic category of related organisms ranking below an order and containing one or more families.

Derived Forms

• subˈordinal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suborder¹

First recorded in 1820–30; sub- + order

Example Sentences

What’s good enough for him is good enough for her in the suborder Serpentes.

From New York Times

The final order approved by a Superior Court judge served as an umbrella over multiple suborders defining each subbasin and its respective water rights.

From Seattle Times

Part of the suborder of mammals called toothed whales, they have 10 to 13 conical teeth in each jaw that interlock to crush and shred their prey.

From Seattle Times

For some extra complication, there are two suborders of turtle whose classifications are based entirely on how they move their necks.

From National Geographic

The fossil is about 30 million years old, dating to a time when snout shapes and tooth presence were becoming diverse among the toothed whale suborder.

From National Geographic