superclass

[ soo-per-klas, -klahs ]

noun

, Biology.

1. a category of related classes classis within a phylum or subphylum.
2. a subphylum.

superclass

/ ˈsuːpəˌklɑːs /

noun

1. a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a subphylum

superclass

/ so̅o̅′pər-klăs′ /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of superclass¹

First recorded in 1890–95; super- + class

Example Sentences

It’s some kind of genetic enhancement — rarely fatal — that has created a superclass of young people, completely altering adolescence, college admissions and employment possibilities.

From Washington Post

Rapid eye movement sleep helped modern humans’ “rapid evolutionary rise to power” and constitute a “globally dominant social superclass”.

From The Guardian

But the two men, who claim to be friends, are both members of the Silicon Valley élite, a superclass at once consumed and blinded by money, world-changing fantasies, and self-preserving reflexes.

From The New Yorker

And that would happen just in time for the superclass of 2018-19 to arrive.

From Washington Post

Together the Five compose a new superclass of American corporate might.

From New York Times