subscript

[ suhb-skript ]

adjective

1. written below ( adscript, superscript ).
2. inferior ( def 9 ).

noun

1. inferior ( def 11 ).
2. Also called subfix. any character, number, or symbol written next to and slightly below another.

subscript

/ ˈsʌbskrɪpt /

adjective

1. printing (of a character) written or printed below the line Compare superscript

noun

1. Also calledsubindex a subscript character

Word History and Origins

Origin of subscript¹

1695–1705; < Latin subscrīptus (past participle of subscrībere to subscribe ), equivalent to sub- sub- + scrīb ( ere ) to write + -tus past participle suffix

Example Sentences

He was scratching rapidly at the second page, his fingers blue with ink, while Henry proofread the first one, dashing in subscripts and aspirants with his fountain pen.

From Literature

If a number is written in a base other than ten, the base is often indicated as a subscript.

From Scientific American

Along the way, his anecdotes form a fascinating subscript.

From Nature

Later, for no special reason, the fashion became to render the number as subscript: H2O.

From Literature

A subscript running across the screen morphed from “Government Medicine Bullies” to “FDA Regulations Can Kill.”

From BusinessWeek